Method and apparatus for cooling extruded film tubes

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for blown film extrusion is described. An annular die receives a molten material and extrudes a film tube. At least one cooling ring is positioned adjacent the annular die for passing an air stream along a particular surface of the film tube. A blower entrains and supplies air to the cooling ring. A flow sensor is positioned in an air flow path intermediate the at least one cooling ring and the blower. It provides a mass air flow signal which is a measure of air mass flow per unit time. An adjustable air flow attribute modifier is placed in communication with the air flow path and operates to selectively modify the air mass flow per time unit. A controller member is in communication with the flow sensor and the adjustable air flow attribute modifier, for receiving the mass air flow signal and for controlling the adjustable air flow attribute modifier to provide a preselected value of air flow in terms of air mass flow per unit time.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 07/867,762 entitled Improved Control and BlowerSystem For Extruded Film Tubes which was filed on Apr. 13, 1992, nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,352,393.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to blown film extrusion lines, andspecifically to improved cooling systems for use with blown filmsystems.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Blown film extrusion lines are used to manufacture plastic bags andplastic sheets. A molten tube of plastic is extruded from an annulardie, and then stretched and expanded to a larger diameter and a reducedradial thickness by the action of overhead nip rollers and internal airpressure. Typically, air is entrained by one or more blowers to providea cooling medium which absorbs heat from the molten material and speedsup the change in state from a molten material back to a solid material.Additionally, blowers are used to provide air pressure which is utilizedto control the size and thickness of the film tube. One type of blownfilm extrusion line utilizes an air flow on the exterior surface of thefilm tube in order to absorb heat. A different, and more modern, type ofblown film extrusion line utilizes both an external flow of cooling airand an internal flow of cooling air in order to cool and size the filmtube.

The cooling and sizing effect of these external and internal air flowsis dependent upon the density of the air column and the rate of flow ofthe air column. These variables can be considered together in units of"mass air flow" which is simply the total density of the cooling airmultiplied times the flow rate. The density of the cooling air or gas iscomplex and is dependent upon the relative humidity of the air orcooling gas, the absolute pressure of the air or cooling gas, thetemperature of the air or cooling gas, the saturation vapor pressure ofthe air or cooling gas at the given temperature, the partial pressure ofthe water vapor in the air or cooling gas at the given temperature, andthe specific gravity of the air or cooling gas. The flow rate of the airor cooling gas is of course more easily calculated.

Changes in the humidity, barometric pressure, and temperature of theambient atmosphere will have an impact upon the cooling and gaginginfluence of the air or cooling gas, and will effect the product qualityand production rates in a manner which is not easily calculated. Theprior art systems are devoid of any useful technique or apparatus foradjusting for changes in ambient humidity, barometric pressure, andtemperature in order to maintain product uniformity and to obtain thehighest production rates possible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide animproved blown film extrusion system which includes a flow sensorpositioned in an air flow path intermediate at least one external orinternal cooling ring and a blower, for providing a mass air flow signalwhich is indicative of air flow through the air flow path and whichprovides a measure of air mass flow per unit time, in order to obtainuniformity of product quality and high production rates.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improvedblown film extrusion system which includes a flow sensor which isutilized to provide a measure of air mass flow per unit time to acontroller member which provides a control signal to an adjustable airflow attribute modifier which is communication with an air flow pathwithin the blown film extrusion apparatus, and which is utilized toselectively modify the air mass per unit time in order to obtain productuniformity and high production rates.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improvedair flow control apparatus in order to obtain better control of airflows utilized for either cooling a blown film tube or shaping andsizing a blown film tube.

These and other objectives are achieved as is now described. The presentinvention is directed to an improved blown film extrusion system whichincludes a number of components which cooperate together. An annular dieis provided for receiving a molten material and extruding a film tube.At least one cooling air ring is positioned adjacent to the annular diefor passing an air stream along a particular surface of the film tube.In particular embodiments, this at least one cooling air ring mayprovide a cooling air stream for either an exterior surface of theextruded film tube, an interior surface of the extruded film tube, orfor both an exterior surface and interior surface of the extruded filmtube. A blower is provided for entraining and supplying cooling air orgas to the at least one cooling ring. A flow sensor is positioned in anair flow path intermediate the at least one cooling ring and the blower.The flow sensor provides an air mass flow signal which is indicative ofair flow through the air flow path, and which provides a measure of airmass flow per unit time. An adjustable air flow attribute modifier isalso provided in communication in the air flow path. The adjustable airflow attribute modifier is utilized for selectively modifying the airmass per unit time. In some embodiments, the adjustable air flowattribute modifier may comprise a cooling system which includes heatexchange coils in communication with the air flow path and a circulatingheat exchange medium which is passed through the heat exchange coils. Inother embodiments, the adjustable air flow attribute modifier maycomprise an air flow control member, such as a valve, which is incommunication with the air flow path. In still more particularembodiments, the air flow control member may comprise anelectrically-actuated valve which is utilized to moderate air flowthrough the air flow paths. In yet other embodiments, the adjustable airflow attribute modifier may comprise a fluid injection system incommunication with the air flow path which is utilized to modify thehumidity of air passing through the air flow path. Finally, a controllermember is provided which is in communication with both the flow sensorand the adjustable air flow attribute modifier. The controller memberreceives the mass air flow signal from the flow sensor, and provides acontrol signal to the adjustable air flow attribute modifier, to providea preselected value of air flow in terms of air mass flow per unit time.

The above as well as additional objects, features, and advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent in the following detailed writtendescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself however, as well as apreferred mode of use, further objects and advantages thereof, will bestbe understood by reference to the following detailed description of anillustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a view of a blown film extrusion line equipped with theimproved control system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the die, sizing cage, control subassembly androtating frame of the blown film tower of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view of the acoustic transducer of the improved controlsystem of the present invention coupled to the sizing cage of the blownfilm extrusion line tower adjacent the extruded film tube of FIGS. 1 and2;

FIG. 4 is a view of the acoustic transducer of FIG. 3 coupled to thesizing cage of the blown film tower, in two positions, one positionbeing shown in phantom;

FIG. 5 is a schematic and block diagram view of the preferred controlsystem of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic and block diagram view of the preferred controlsystem of FIG. 5, with special emphasis on the supervisory control unit;

FIG. 7(a) is a schematic and block diagram view of the signals generatedby the ultrasonic sensor which pertain to the position of the blown filmlayer;

FIG. 7 (b) is a view of the ultrasonic sensor of FIG. 3 coupled to thesizing cage of the blown film tower, with permissible extruded film tubeoperating ranges indicated thereon;

FIG. 8(a) is a flow chart of the preferred filtering process applied tothe current position signal generated by the acoustic transducer;

FIG. 8(b) is a graphic depiction of the operation of the filteringsystem;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the automatic sizing andrecovery logic (ASRL) of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the health/state logic (HSL) ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the loop mode control logic(LMCL) of FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the volume setpoint controllogic (VSCL) of FIG. 6;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart representation of the output clamp of FIG. 6.

FIG. 14 is a schematic and block diagram, and flowchart views of thepreferred alternative emergency condition control system of the presentinvention, which provides enhanced control capabilities for detectedoverblown and underblown conditions, as well as when the control systemdetermines that the extruded film tube has passed out of range of thesensing transducer;

FIG. 15 is a schematic and block diagram view of the signals generatedby the ultrasonic sensor which pertain to the position of the blown filmlayer;

FIG. 16 is a view of the ultrasonic sensor of FIG. 3 coupled to thesizing cage of the blown film tower, with permissible extruded film tubeoperating ranges indicated thereon;

FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of the automatic sizing andrecovery logic (ASRL) of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of the health/state logic (HSL) ofFIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of the loop mode control logic(LMCL) of FIG. 14;

FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of the volume setpoint controllogic (VSCL) of FIG. 14;

FIG. 21 is a flow chart representation of the output clamp of FIG. 14;

FIG. 22 is a schematic and block diagram view of emergency conditioncontrol logic block of FIG. 14;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart depiction of the preferred software filter of thealternative emergency condition control system of FIG. 14;

FIG. 24 is a graphic depiction of the normal operation of the filteringsystem;

FIG. 25a is a graph which depicts the emergency condition control modeof operation response to the detection of an underblown condition, withthe X-axis representing time and the Y-axis representing position of theextruded film tube;

FIG. 25b is a graph of the binary condition of selected operating blocksof the block diagram depiction of FIG. 22, and can be read incombination with FIG. 25a, wherein the X-axis represents time, and theY-axis represents the binary condition of selected operational blocks;

FIG. 26a is a graph which depicts the emergency condition control modeof operation response to the detection of an underblown condition, withthe X-axis representing time and the Y-axis representing position of theextruded film tube;

FIG. 26b is a graph of the binary condition of selected operating blocksof the block diagram depiction of FIG. 22, and can be read incombination with FIG. 26a, wherein the X-axis represents time, and theY-axis represents the binary condition of selected operational blocks;

FIG. 27a is a graph which depicts the emergency condition control modeof operation response to the detection of an underblown condition, withthe X-axis representing time and the Y-axis representing position of theextruded film tube;

FIG. 27b is a graph of the binary condition of selected operating blocksof the block diagram depiction of FIG. 22, and can be read incombination with FIG. 27a, wherein the X-axis represents time, and theY-axis represents the binary condition of selected operational blocks;

FIG. 28 is a schematic and block diagram depiction of one embodiment ofthe improved air flow control system of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a simplified and partial fragmentary and longitudinal sectionview of the preferred air flow control device used with the air flowcontrol system of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a schematic depiction of a IBC blown film extrusion lineequipped with mass air flow sensors in communication with both a supplyof cooling air and an exhaust of cooling air, which may be utilized toobtain uniformity in the mass air flow of the cooling air stream supplyto the interior of the blown film tube;

FIG. 31 is a schematic depiction of an IBC blown film line equipped withmass air flow sensors for controlling the supply and exhaust of air tothe interior of the blown film tube, and additionally equipped with amass air flow sensor for monitoring and controlling the supply ofexternal cooling air;

FIGS. 32, 33, 34, and 35 are schematic depictions of an external coolingair system for a blown film extrusion line, with a mass air flow sensorprovided to allow control over an adjustable air flow attributemodifier; and

FIG. 36 is a flowchart representation of computer program implementedoperations for achieving a feedback control loop for a blown filmsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In this detailed description of the invention, FIGS. 1 through 29, andaccompanying text, provide a very detailed overview of aninternal-bubble-cooling blown film extrusion system which is equippedwith a preferred sizing control system. FIGS. 30 through 36, andaccompanying text, provide a description of the preferred method andapparatus for cooling extruded film tubes of the present invention usedeither in combination with the preferred sizing control apparatus, oralone.

FIG. 1 is a view of blown film extrusion line 11, which includes anumber of subassemblies which cooperate to produce plastic bags and thelike from plastic resin. The main components include blown film tower13, which provides a rigid structure for mounting and aligning thevarious subassemblies, extruder subassembly 15, die subassembly 17,blower subassembly 19, stack 21, sizing cage 23, collapsible frame 25,nips 27, control subassembly 28 and rollers 29.

Plastic granules are fed into hopper 31 of extruder subassembly 15. Theplastic granules are melted and fed by extruder 33 and pushed into diesubassembly 17, and specifically to annular die 37. The molten plasticgranules emerge from annular die 37 as a molten plastic tube 39, whichexpands from the die diameter to a desired final diameter, which mayvary typically between two to three times the die diameter.

Blower subassembly 19 includes a variety of components which cooperatetogether to provide a flow of cooling air to the interior of moltenplastic tube 39, and also along the outer periphery of molten plastictube 39. Blower subassembly includes blower 41 which pulls air into thesystem at intake 43, and exhausts air from the system at exhaust 45. Theflow of air into molten plastic tube 39 is controlled at valve 47. Airis also directed along the exterior of molten plastic tube from externalair ring 49, which is concentric to annular die 37. Air is supplied tothe interior of molten plastic tube 39 through internal air diffuser 51.Air is pulled from the interior of molten plastic tube 39 by exhauststack 53.

The streams of external and internal cooling airs serve to harden moltenplastic tube 39 a short distance from annular die 37. The line ofdemarcation between the molten plastic tube 39 and the hardened plastictube 55 is identified in the trade as the "frost line." Normally, thefrost line is substantially at or about the location at which the moltenplastic tube 39 is expanded to the desired final diameter.

Adjustable sizing cage 23 is provided directly above annular die 38 andserves to protect and guide the plastic tube 55 as it is drawn upwardthrough collapsible frame 25 by nips 27. Afterwards, plastic tube 55 isdirected through a series of rollers 57, 59, 61, and 63 which serve toguide the tube to packaging or other processing equipment.

In some systems, rotating frame 65 is provided for rotating relative toblown film tower 13. It is particularly useful in rotating mechanicalfeeler arms of the prior art systems around plastic tube 55 todistribute the deformations. Umbilical cord 67 is provided to allowelectrical conductors to be routed to rotating frame 65. Rotating frame65 rotates at bearings 71, 73 relative to stationary frame 69.

Control subassembly 28 is provided to monitor and control the extrusionprocess, and in particular the circumference of plastic tube 55. Controlsubassembly 28 includes supervisory control unit, and operator controlpanel 77.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed view of annular die 37, sizing cage 23,control subassembly 28, and rotating frame 65. As shown in FIG. 2,supervisory control unit 75 is electrically coupled to operator controlpanel 77, valve 47, and acoustic transducer 79. These componentscooperate to control the volume of air contained within extruded filmtube 81, and hence the thickness and diameter of the extruded film tube81. Valve 47 controls the amount of air directed by blower 41 intoextruded film tube 81 through internal air diffuser 51.

If more air is directed into extruded film tube 81 by internal airdiffuser 51 than is exhausted from extruded film tube 81 by exhauststack 43, the circumference of extruded film tube 81 will be increased.Conversely, if more air is exhausted from the interior of extruded filmtube 81 by exhaust stack 53 than is inputted into extruded film tube 81by internal air diffuser 51, the circumference of extruded film tube 81will decrease.

In the preferred embodiment, valve 41 is responsive to supervisorycontrol unit 75 for increasing or decreasing the flow of air intoextruded film tube 81. Operator control panel 77 serves to allow theoperator to select the diameter of extruded film tube 81. Acoustictransducer 79 serves to generate a signal corresponding to thecircumference of extruded film tube 81, and direct this signal tosupervisory control unit 75 for comparison to the circumference settingselected by the operator at operator control panel 77.

If the actual circumference of extruded film tube 81 exceeds theselected circumference, supervisory control unit 75 operates valve 47 torestrict the passage of air from blower 41 into extruded film tube 81.This results in a decrease in circumference of extruded film tube 81.Conversely, if the circumference of extruded film tube 81 is less thanthe selected circumference, supervisory control unit 75 operates onvalve 47 to increase the flow of air into extruded film tube 81 andincrease its circumference. Of course, extruded film tube 81 willfluctuate in circumference, requiring constant adjustment andreadjustment of the inflow of air by operation of supervisory controlunit 75 and valve 47.

FIG. 3 is a view of ultrasonic sensor 89 of the improve control systemof the present invention coupled to sizing cage 23 adjacent extrudedfilm tube 81. In the preferred embodiment, acoustic transducer 79comprises an ultrasonic measuring and control system manufactured byMassa Products Corporation of Hingham, Mass., Model Nos. M-4000,M410/215, and M450, including a Massa Products ultrasonic sensor 89. Itis an ultrasonic ranging and detection device which utilizes highfrequency sound waves which are deflected off objects and detected. Inthe preferred embodiment, a pair of ultrasonic sensors 89 are used, oneto transmit sonic pulses, and another to receive sonic pulses. Forpurposes of simplifying the description only one ultrasonic sensor 89 isshown, and in fact a single ultrasonic sensor can be used, first totransmit a sonic pulse and then to receive the return in an alteratingfashion. The elapsed time between an ultrasonic pulse being transmittedand a significant echo being received corresponds to the distancebetween ultrasonic sensor 89 and the object being sensed. Of course, thedistance between the ultrasonic sensor 89 and extruded film tube 81corresponds to the circumference of extruded film tube 81. In thepresent situation, ultrasonic sensor 89 emits an interrogatingultrasonic beam 87 substantially normal to extruded film tube 81 andwhich is deflected from the outer surface of extruded film tube 81 andsensed by ultrasonic sensor 89.

The Massa Products Corporation ultrasonic measurement and control systemincludes system electronics which utilize the duration of time betweentransmission and reception to produce a useable electrical output suchas a voltage or current. In the preferred embodiment, ultrasonic sensor89 is coupled to sizing cage 23 at adjustable coupling 83. In thepreferred embodiment, ultrasonic sensor 89 is positioned within seveninches of extruded film tube 81 to minimize the impact of ambient noiseon a control system. Ultrasonic sensor 89 is positioned so thatinterrogating ultrasonic beam 87 travels through a path which issubstantially normal to the outer surface of extruded film tube 81, tomaximize the return signal to ultrasonic sensor 89.

FIG. 4 is a view of ultrasonic sensor 89 of FIG. 3 coupled to sizingcage 23 of the blown film tower 13, in two positions, one position beingshown in phantom. In the first position, ultrasonic sensor 89 is shownadjacent extruded film tube 81 of a selected circumference. Whenextruded film tube 81 is downsized to a tube having a smallercircumference, ultrasonic sensor 89 will move inward and outwardrelative to the central axis of the adjustable sizing cage, along withthe adjustable sizing cage 23. The second position is shown in phantomwith ultrasonic sensor 89' shown adjacent extruded film tube 81' of asmaller circumference. For purposes of reference, internal air diffuser51 and exhaust stack 53 are shown in FIG. 4. The sizing cage is alsomovable upward and downward, so ultrasonic sensor 89 is also movableupward and downward relative to the frostline of the extruded film tube81.

FIG. 5 is a schematic and block diagram view of the preferred controlsystem of the present invention. The preferred acoustic transducer 79 ofthe present invention includes ultrasonic sensor 89 and temperaturesensor 91 which cooperate to produce a current position signal which isindependent of the ambient temperature. Ultrasonic sensor 89 iselectrically coupled to ultrasonic electronics module 95, andtemperature sensor 91 is electrically coupled to temperature electronicsmodule 97. Together, ultrasonic electronics module 95 and temperatureelectronics module 97 comprise transducer electronics 93. Four signalsare produced by acoustic transducer 79, including one analog signal, andthree digital signals.

As shown in FIG. 5, four conductors couple transducer electronics tosupervisory control unit 75. Specifically, conductor 99 routes a 0 to 10volts DC analog input to supervisory control unit 75. Conductors 101,103, and 105 provide digital signals to supervisory control unit 75which correspond to a target present signal, maximum override, andminimum override. These signals will be described below in greaterdetail.

Supervisory control unit 75 is electrically coupled to setpoint display109 through analog display output 107. An analog signal between 0 and 10volts DC is provided to setpoint display 109 which displays the selecteddistance between ultrasonic sensor 89 and extruded film tube 81. Adistance is selected by the operator through distance selector 111.Target indicator 113, preferably a light, is provided to indicate thatthe target (extruded film tube 81) is in range. Distance selector 111 iselectrically coupled to supervisory control unit 75 by distance settingconductor 119. Target indicator 113 is electrically coupled tosupervisory control unit 75 through target present conductor 121.

Supervisory control unit 75 is also coupled via valve control conductor123 to proportional valve 125. In the preferred embodiment, proportionalvalve 125 corresponds to valve 47 of FIG. 1, and is a pressure controlcomponent manufactured by Proportionair of McCordsville, Ind., Model No.BB1. Proportional valve 125 translates an analog DC voltage provided bysupervisory control unit 75 into a corresponding pressure between 0.5and 1.2 bar. Proportional valve 125 acts on rotary valve 129 throughcylinder 127. Pressurized air is provided to proportional valve 125 frompressurized air supply 131 through 20 micron filter 133.

FIG. 6 is a schematic and block diagram view of the preferred controlsystem of FIG. 5, with special emphasis on the supervisory control unit75. Extruded film tube 81 is shown in cross-section with ultrasonicsensor 89 adjacent its outer wall. Ultrasonic sensor 89 emitsinterrogating pulses which are bounced off of extruded film tube andsensed by ultrasonic sensor 89. The time delay between transmission andreception of the interrogating pulse is processed by transducerelectronics 93 to produce four outputs: CURRENT POSITION signal which isprovided to supervisory control unit 75 via analog output conductor 99,digital TARGET PRESENT signal which is provided over digital output 105,a minimum override signal (MIO signal) indicative of a collapsing orundersized bubble which is provided over digital output conductor 103,and maximum override signal (MAO signal) indicative of an overblownextruded film tube 81 which is provided over a digital output conductor101.

As shown in FIG. 6, the position of extruded film tube 81 relative toultrasonic sensor 89 is analyzed and controlled with reference to anumber of distance thresholds and setpoints, which are shown in greaterdetail in FIG. 7(a). All set points and thresholds represent distancesfrom reference R. The control system of the present invention attemptsto maintain extruded film tube 81 at a circumference which places thewall of extruded film tube 81 at a tangent to the line established byreference A. The distance between reference R and set point A may beselected by the user through distance selector 111. This allows the userto control the distance between ultrasonic sensor 89 and extruded filmtube 81.

The operating range of acoustic transducer 79 is configurable by theuser with settings made in transducer electronics 93. In the preferredembodiment, using the Massa Products transducer, the range of operationof acoustic transducer 79 is between 3 to 24 inches. Therefore, the usermay select a minimum circumference threshold C and a maximumcircumference threshold B, below and above which an error signal isgenerated. Minimum circumference threshold C may be set by the user at adistance d3 from reference R. Maximum circumference threshold B may beselected by the user to be a distance d2 from reference R. In thepreferred embodiment, setpoint A is set a distance of 7 inches fromreference R. Minimum circumference threshold C is set a distance of10.8125 inches from reference R. Maximum circumference threshold B isset a distance of 4.1 inches from reference R. Transducer electronics 93allows the user to set or adjust these distances at will provided theyare established within the range of operation of acoustic transducer 79,which is between 3 and 24 inches.

Besides providing an analog indication of the distance betweenultrasonic sensors 89 and extruded film tube 81, transducer electronics93 also produces three digital signals which provide informationpertaining to the position of extruded film tube 81. If extruded filmtube 81 is substantially normal and within the operating range ofultrasonic sensor 89, a digital "1" is provided at digital output 105.The signal is representative of a TARGET PRESENT signal. If extrudedfilm tube 81 is not within the operating range of ultrasonic sensor 89or if a return pulse is not received due to curvature of extruded filmtube 81, TARGET PRESENT signal of digital output 105 is low. Asdiscussed above, digital output 103 is a minimum override signal MIO. Ifextruded film tube 81 is smaller in circumference than the referenceestablished by threshold C, minimum override signal MIO of digitaloutput 103 is high. Conversely, if circumference of extruded film tube81 is greater than the reference established by threshold C, the minimumoverride signal MIO is low.

Digital output 101 is for a maximum override signal MAO. If extrudedfilm tube 81 is greater than the reference established by threshold B,the maximum override signal MAO is high. Conversely, if thecircumference of extruded film tube 81 is less than the referenceestablished by threshold B, the output of maximum override signal MAO islow.

The minimum override signal MIO will stay high as long as extruded filmtube 81 has a circumference less than that established by threshold C.Likewise, the maximum override signal MAO will remain high for as longas the circumference of extruded film tube 81 remains larger than thereference established by threshold B.

Threshold D and threshold E are also depicted in FIG. 7(a). Threshold Dis established at a distance d4 from reference R. Threshold E isestablished at a distance d5 from reference R. Thresholds D and E areestablished by supervisory control unit 75, not by acoustic transducer79. Threshold D represents a minimum circumference threshold forextruded film tube 81 which differs from that established by transducerelectronics 93. Likewise, threshold E corresponds to a maximumcircumference threshold which differs from that established by acoustictransducer 79. Thresholds D and E are established in the software ofsupervisory control unit 75, and provide a redundancy of control, andalso minimize the possibility of user error, since these threshold areestablished in software, and cannot be easily changed or accidentallychanged. The coordination of all of these thresholds will be discussedin greater detail below. In the preferred embodiment, threshold C isestablished at 10.8125 inches from reference R. Threshold E isestablished at 3.6 inches from reference R.

FIG. 7(b) is a side view of the ultrasonic sensor 89 coupled to sizingcage 23 of the blown film tower 13, with permissible extruded film tube81 operating ranges indicated thereon. Setpoint A is the desireddistance between ultrasonic sensor 89 and extruded film tube 81.Thresholds D and C are established at selected distances inward fromultrasonic sensor 89, and represent minimum circumference thresholds forextruded film tube 81. Thresholds B and E are established at selecteddistances from setpoint A, and establish separate maximum circumferencethresholds for extruded film tube 81. As shown in FIG. 7(b), extrudedfilm tube 81 is not at setpoint A. Therefore, additional air must besupplied to the interior of extruded film tube 81 to expand the extrudedfilm tube 81 to the desired circumference established by setpoint A.

If extruded film tube 81 were to collapse, two separate alarm conditionswould be registered. One alarm condition will be established whenextruded film tube 81 falls below threshold C. A second and separatealarm condition will be established when extruded film tube 81 fallsbelow threshold D. Extruded film tube 81 may also become overblown. Inan overblown condition, two separate alarm conditions are possible. Whenextruded film tube 81 expands beyond threshold B, an alarm condition isregistered. When extruded film tube 81 expands further to extend beyondthreshold E, a separate alarm condition is registered.

As discussed above, thresholds C and B are subject to user adjustmentthrough settings in transducer electronics 93. In contrast, thresholds Dand E are set in computer code of supervisory control unit 75, and arenot easily adjusted. This redundancy in control guards againstaccidental or intentional missetting of the threshold conditions attransducer electronics 93. The system also guards against thepossibility of equipment failure in transducer 79, or gradual drift inthe threshold settings due to deterioration, or overheating of theelectronic components contained in transducer electronics 93.

Returning now to FIG. 6, operator control panel 137 and supervisorycontrol unit 75 will be described in greater detail. Operator controlpanel 137 includes setpoint display 109, which serves to display thedistance d1 between reference R and setpoint A. Setpoint display 109includes a 7 segment display. Distance selector 111 is used to adjustsetpoint A. Holding the switch to the "+" position increases thecircumference of extruded film tube 81 by decreasing distance d1 betweensetpoint A and reference R. Holding the switch to the "-" positiondecreases the diameter of extruded film tube 81 by increasing thedistance between reference R and setpoint A.

Target indicator 113 is a target light which displays informationpertaining to whether extruded film tube 81 is within range ofultrasonic transducer 89, whether an echo is received at ultrasonictransducer 89, and whether any alarm condition has occurred. Blowerswitch 139 is also provided in operator control panel 137 to allow theoperator to selectively disconnect the blower from the control unit. Asshown in FIG. 6, all these components of operator control panel 137 areelectrically coupled to supervisory control unit 75.

Supervisory control unit 75 responds to the information provided byacoustic transducer 79, and operator control panel 137 to actuateproportional valve 125. Proportional valve 125 in turn acts uponpneumatic cylinder 127 to rotate rotary valve 129 to control the airflow to the interior of extruded film tube 81.

With the exception of analog to digital converter 141, digital to analogconverter 143, and digital to analog converter 145 (which are hardwareitems), supervisory control unit 75 is a graphic representation ofcomputer software resident in memory of supervisory control unit 75. Inthe preferred embodiment, supervisory control unit 75 comprises anindustrial controller, preferably a Texas Instrument brand industrialcontroller Model No. PM550. Therefore, supervisory control unit 75 isessentially a relatively low-powered computer which is dedicated to aparticular piece of machinery for monitoring and controlling. In thepreferred embodiment, supervisory control unit 75 serves to monitor manyother operations of blown film extrusion line 11. The gauging andcontrol of the circumference of extruded film tube 81 through computersoftware is one additional function which is "piggybacked" onto theindustrial controller. Alternately, it is possible to provide anindustrial controller or microcomputer which is dedicated to themonitoring and control of the extruded film tube 81. Of course,dedicating a microprocessor to this task is a rather expensivealternative.

For purposes of clarity and simplification of description, the operationof the computer program in supervisory control unit 75 have beensegregated into operational blocks, and presented as an amalgamation ofdigital hardware blocks. In the preferred embodiment, these softwaresubcomponents include: software filter 149, health state logic 151,automatic sizing and recovery logic 153, loop mode control logic 155,volume setpoint control logic 157, and output clamp 159. These softwaremodules interface with one another, and to PI loop program 147 ofsupervisory control unit 75. PI loop program is a software routineprovided in the Texas Instruments' PM550 system. The proportionalcontroller regulates a process by manipulating a control element throughthe feedback of a controlled output. The equation for the output of a PIcontroller is:

    m=K*e+K/T∫e dt+ms

In this equation:

m=controller output

K=controller gain

e=error

T=reset time

dt=differential time

ms=constant

∫e dt=integration of all previous errors

When an error exists, it is summed (integrated) with all the previouserrors, thereby increasing or decreasing the output of the PI controller(depending upon whether the error is positive or negative). Thus as theerror term accumulates in the integral term, the output changes so as toeliminate the error.

CURRENT POSITION signal is provided by acoustic transducer 79 via analogoutput 99 to analog to digital converter 141, where the analog CURRENTPOSITION signal is digitized. The digitized CURRENT POSITION signal isrouted through software filter 149, and then to PI loop program 147. Ifthe circumference of extruded film tube 81 needs to be adjusted, PI loopprogram 147 acts through output clamp 159 upon proportional valve 125 toadjust the quantity of air provided to the interior of extruded filmtube 81.

FIG. 8(a) is a flowchart of the preferred filtering process applied toCURRENT POSITION signal generated by the acoustic transducer. Thedigitized CURRENT POSITION signal is provided from analog to digitalconverter 141 to software filter 149. The program reads the CURRENTPOSITION signal in step 161. Then, the software filter 149 sets SAMPLE(N) to the position signal.

In step 165, the absolute value of the difference between CURRENTPOSITION (SAMPLE (N)) and the previous sample (SAMPLE (N-1)) is comparedto a first threshold. If the absolute value of the difference betweenthe current sample and the previous sample is less than first thresholdT1, the value of SAMPLE (N) is set to CFS, the current filtered sample,in step 167. If the absolute value of the difference between the currentsample and the previous sample exceeds first threshold T1, in step 169,the CURRENT POSITION signal is disregarded, and the previous positionsignal SAMPLE (N-1) is substituted in its place.

Then, in step 171, the suggested change SC is calculated, by determiningthe difference between the current filtered sample CFS and the bestposition estimate BPE. In step 173, the suggested change SC which wascalculated in step 171 is compared to positive T2, which is the maximumlimit on the rate of change. If the suggested change is within themaximum limit allowed, in step 177, allowed change AC is set to thesuggested change SC value. If, however, in step 173, the suggestedchange exceeds the maximum limit allowed on the rate of change, in step175, the allowed change is set to +LT2, a default value for allowedchange.

In step 179, the suggested change SC is compared to the negative limitfor allowable rates of change, negative T2. If the suggested change SCis greater than the maximum limit on negative change, in step 181,allowed change AC is set to negative -LT2, a default value for negativechange. However, if in step 179 it is determined that suggested changeSC is within the maximum limit allowed on negative change, in step 183,the allowed change AC is added to the current best position estimateBPE, in step 183. Finally, in step 185, the newly calculated bestposition estimate BPE is written to the PI loop program.

Software filter 149 is a two stage filter which first screens theCURRENT POSITION signal by comparing the amount of change, eitherpositive or negative, to threshold T1. If the CURRENT POSITION signal,as compared to the preceding position signal exceeds the threshold ofT1, the current position signal is discarded, and the previous positionsignal (SAMPLE (N-1)) is used instead. At the end of the first stage, instep 171, a suggested change SC value is derived by subtracting the bestposition estimate BPE from the current filtered sample CFS.

In the second stage of filtering, the suggested change SC value iscompared to positive and negative change thresholds (in steps 173 and179). If the positive or negative change thresholds are violated, theallowable change is set to a preselected value, either +LT2, or -LT2. Ofcourse, if the suggested change SC is within the limits set by positiveT2 and negative T2, then the allowable change AC is set to the suggestedchange SC.

The operation of software filter 149 may also be understood withreference to FIG. 8(b). In the graph of FIG. 8(b), the y-axis representsthe signal level, and the x-axis represents time. The signal as sensedby acoustic transducer 79 is designated as input, and shown in the solidline. The operation of the first stage of the software filter 149 isdepicted by the current filtered sample CFS, which is shown in the graphby cross-marks. As shown, the current filtered sample CFS operates toignore large positive or negative changes in the position signal, andwill only change when the position signal seems to have stabilized for ashort interval. Therefore, when changes occur in the current filteredsample CFS, they occur in a plateau-like manner.

In stage two of the software filter 149, the current filtered sample CFSis compared to the best position estimate BPE, to derive a suggestedchange SC value. The suggested SC is then compared to positive andnegative thresholds to calculate an allowable change AC which is thenadded to the best position estimate BPE. FIG. 8(b) shows that the bestposition estimate BPE signal only gradually changes in response to anupward drift in the POSITION SIGNAL. The software filtering system 149of the present invention renders the control apparatus relativelyunaffected by random noise, but capable of tracking the more "gradual"changes in bubble position.

Experimentation has revealed that the software filtering system of thepresent invention operates best when the position of extruded film tube81 is sampled between 20 to 30 times per second. At this sampling rate,one is less likely to incorrectly identify noise as a change incircumference of extruded film tube 81. The preferred sampling rateaccounts for the common noise signals encountered in blown filmextrusion liner.

Optional thresholds have also been derived through experimentation. Inthe first stage of filtering, threshold T1 is established as roughly onepercent of the operating range of acoustic transducer 79, which in thepreferred embodiment is twenty-one meters (24 inches less 3 inches). Inthe second stage of filter, thresholds +LT2 and -LT2 are established asroughly 0.30% of the operating range of acoustic transducer 79.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the automatic sizing andrecovery logic ASRL of supervisory control unit 75. As stated above,this figure is a hardware representation of a software routine. ASRL 153is provided to accommodate the many momentary false indications ofmaximum and minimum circumference violations which may be registered dueto noise, such as the noise created due to air flow between acoustictransducer 79 and extruded film tube 81. The input from maximum alarmoverride MAO is "ored" with high alarm D, from the PI loop program, at"or" operator 191. High alarm D is the signal generated by the programin supervisory control unit 75 when the circumference of extruded filmtube 81 exceeds threshold D of FIG. 7(a). If a maximum override MAOsignal exists, or if a high alarm condition D exists, the output of "or"operator 191 goes high, and actuates delay timer 193.

Likewise, minimum override MIO signal is "ored" at "or" operator 195with low alarm E. If a minimum override signal is present, or if a lowalarm condition E exists, the output of "or" operator 195 goes high, andis directed to delay timer 197. Delay timers 193, 197 are provided toprevent an alarm condition unless the condition is held for 800milliseconds continuously. Every time the input of delay timers 193, 197goes low, the timer resets and starts from 0. This mechanism eliminatesmany false alarms.

If an alarm condition is held for 800 milliseconds continuously, anOVERBLOWN or UNDERBLOWN signal is generated, and directed to the healthstate logic 151. Detected overblown or underblown conditions are "ored"at "or" operator 199 to provide a REQUEST MANUAL MODE signal which isdirected to loop mode control logic 155.

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the health-state logic 151 ofFIG. 6. The purpose of this logic is to control the target indicator 113of operator control panel 137. When in non-error operation, the targetindicator 113 is on if the blower is on, and the TARGET PRESENT signalfrom digital output 105 is high. When an error is sensed in the maximumoverride MAO or minimum override MIO lines, the target indicator 113will flash on and off in one half second intervals.

In health-state logic HSL 151, the maximum override signal MAO isinverted at inverter 205. Likewise, the minimum override signal isinverted at inverter 207.

"And" operator 209 serves to "and" the inverted maximum override signalMAO, with the OVERBLOWN signal, and high alarm signal D. A high outputfrom "and" operator 209 indicates that something is wrong with thecalibration of acoustic transducer 79.

Likewise, "and" operator 213 serves to "and" the inverted minimumoverride signal MIO, with the OVERBLOWN signal, and low alarm signal E.If the output of "and" operator 213 is high, something is wrong with thecalibration of acoustic transducer 79. The outputs from "and" operators209, 213 are combined in "or" operator 215 to indicate an error witheither the maximum or minimum override detection systems. The output of"or" operator 215 is channeled through oscillator 219, and inverted atinverter 217. "And" operator 211 serves to "and" the TARGET PRESENTsignal, blower signal, and inverted error signal from "or" operator 215.The output of "and" operator of 211 is connected to target indicator113.

If acoustic transducer 79 is properly calibrated, the target is withinrange and normal to the sonic pulses, and the blower is on, targetindicator 113 will be on. If the target is within range and normal tothe sonic pulses, the blower is on, but acoustic transducer 79 is out ofcalibration, target indicator 113 will be on, but will be blinking. Theblinking signal indicates that acoustic transducer 79, and in particulartransducer electronics 93, must be recalibrated.

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of loop mode control logic LMCL ofFIG. 6. The purpose of this software module is coordinate the transitionin modes of operation. Specifically, this software module coordinatesautomatic startup of the blown film extrusion process, as well aschanges in mode between an automated "cascade" mode and a manual mode,which is the required mode of the PI controller to enable under andoverblown conditions of the extruded film tube 81 circumference. Theplurality of input signals are provided to loop mode control logic 155,including: BLOWER ON, REQUEST MANUAL MODE, PI LOOP IN CASCADE MODE,UNDERBLOWN and OVERBLOWN. Loop mode control logic LMCL 155 provides twooutput signals: MANUAL MODE, and CASCADE MODE.

FIG. 11 includes a plurality of digital logic blocks which arerepresentative of programming operations. "Or" operator 225 "ores" theinverted BLOWER ON SIGNAL to the REQUEST MANUAL MODE SIGNAL. "And"operator 227 "ands" the inverted REQUEST MANUAL MODE SIGNAL with aninverted MANUAL MODE SIGNAL, and the BLOWER ON SIGNAL. "And" operator229 "ands" the REQUEST MANUAL MODE SIGNAL to the inverted CASCADE MODESIGNAL. This prevents MANUAL MODE and CASCADE MODE from both being on atthe same time. "And" operator 231 "ands" the MANUAL MODE SIGNAL, theinverted UNDERBLOWN SIGNAL, and the OVERBLOWN SIGNAL. "And" operator 233"ands" the MANUAL MODE SIGNAL with the UNDERBLOWN SIGNAL. This causesthe overblown condition to prevail in the event a malfunction causesboth underblown and overblown conditions to be on. Inverters 235, 237,239, 241, and 243 are provided to invert the inputted output signals ofloop mode control logic 155 were needed. Software one-shot 245 isprovided for providing a momentary response to a condition. Softwareone-shot 245 includes "and" operator 247, off-delay 249, and inverter251.

The software of loop mode control logic 155 operates to ensure that thesystem is never in MANUAL MODE, and CASCADE MODE at the same time. Whenmanual mode is requested by REQUEST MANUAL MODE, loop mode control logic155 causes MANUAL MODE to go high. When manual mode is not requested,loop mode control logic 155 operates to cause CASCADE MODE to go high.MANUAL MODE and CASCADE MODE will never be high at the same time. Loopmode control logic 155 also serves to ensure that the system provides a"bumpless transfer" when mode changes occur. The term "cascade mode" isunderstood in the automation industries as referring to an automaticmode which will read an adjustable setpoint.

Loop mode control logic 155 will also allow for automatic startup of theblown film extrusion process. At startup, UNDERBLOWN SIGNAL is high, PILOOP IN CASCADE MODE is low, BLOWER ON SIGNAL is high. These inputs (andinverted inputs) are combined at "and" operators 231, 233. At startup,"and" operator 233 actuates logic block 253 to move the maximum air flowvalue address to the PI loop step 261. At startup, the MANUAL MODESIGNAL is high. For the PI loop controller of the preferred embodiment,when MANUAL MODE is high, the value contained in PI loop output addressis automatically applied to proportional valve 125. This results inactuation of proportional valve 125 to allow maximum air flow to startthe extruded film tube 81.

When extruded film tube 81 extends in size beyond the minimum threshold(C and D of FIG. 7(a)), the UNDERBLOWN SIGNAL goes low, and the PI LOOPIN CASCADE MODE signal goes high. This causes software one-shot 245 totrigger, causing logic blocks 265, 267 to push an initial bias valuecontained in a program address onto the PI loop. Simultaneously, logicblocks 269, 271 operate to place the selected setpoint value A ontovolume-setpoint control logic VSCL 157. Thereafter, volume-setpointcontrol logic VSCL 157 alone serves to communicate changes in setpointvalue A to PI loop program 147.

If an overblown or underblown condition is detected for a sufficientlylong period of time, the controller will request a manual mode bycausing REQUEST MANUAL MODE SIGNAL to go high. If REQUEST MANUAL MODEgoes high, loop mode control logic LMCL 155 supervises the transferthrough operation of the logic blocks.

Loop mode control logic LMCL 155 also serves to detected overblown andunderblown conditions. If an overblown or underblown condition isdetected by the control system, REQUEST MANUAL MODE goes high, and theappropriate OVERBLOWN or UNDERBLOWN signal goes high. The logicoperators of loop mode control logic LMCL 155 operate to override thenormal operation of the control system, and cause maximum or minimum airflow by putting the maximum air flow address 261 or minimum air flowaddress 263 to the PI output address. As stated above, when MANUAL MODEis high, these maximum or minimum air flow address values are outputteddirectly to proportional valve 125. Thus, when the extruded film tube 81is overblown, loop mode control logic LMCL 155 operates to immediatelycause proportional valve 125 to minimize air flow to extruded film tube81. Conversely, if an underblown condition is detected, loop modecontrol logic LMCL 155 causes proportional valve 125 to immediatelymaximize air flow to extruded film tube 81.

FIG. 12 depicts the operation of volume-setpoint control logic VSCL 157.

Volume setpoint control logic VSCL 157 operates to increase or decreasesetpoint A in response to changes made by the operator at distanceselector 111 of operator control panel 137, when the PI loop program 147is in cascade mode, i.e. when PI LOOP IN CASCADE MODE signal is high.The INCREASE SETPOINT, DECREASE SETPOINT, and PI LOOP IN CASCADE MODEsignals are logically combined at "and" operators 283, and 287. These"and" operators act on logic blocks 285, 289 to increase or decrease thesetpoint contained in remote setpoint address 291. When the setpoint iseither increased or decreased, logic block 293 operates to add theoffset to the remote setpoint for display, and forwards the informationto digital to analog converter 143, for display at setpoint display 109of operator control panel 137. The revised remote setpoint address isthen read by the PI loop program 147.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart drawing of output clamp 159. The purpose of thissoftware routine is to make sure that the PI loop program 147 does notover drive the rotary valve 129 past a usable limit. Rotary valve 129operates by moving a vane to selectively occlude stationary openings. Ifthe moving vane is over driven, the rotary valve will begin to open whenthe PI loop calls for complete closure. In step 301, the output of thePI loop program 147 is read. In step 303, the output of PI loop iscompared to a maximum output. If it exceeds the maximum output, the PIoutput is set to a predetermined maximum output in step 305. If theoutput of PI loop does not exceed the maximum output, in step 307, theclamped PI output is written to the proportional valve 125 throughdigital to analog converter 145.

FIGS. 14, through 27 will be used to describe an alternative emergencycondition control mode of operation which provides enhanced controlcapabilities, especially when an overblown or underblown condition isdetected by the control system, or when the system indicates that theextruded film tube is out of range of the position-sensing transducer.In this alternative emergency condition control mode of operation, thevalve of the estimated position is advanced to a preselected valve and amore rapid change in the estimated position signal is allowed thanduring previously discussed operating conditions, and is particularlyuseful when an overblown or underblown condition is detected. In theevent the control system indicates that the extruded film tube is out ofrange of the sensing transducer, the improved control system supplies anestimated position which, in most situations, is a realistic estimationof the position of the extruded film tube relative to the sensingtransducer, thus preventing false indications of the extruded film tubebeing out of range of the sensing transducer from adversely affectingthe estimated position of the extruded film tube, greatly enhancingoperation of the control system. In the event an overblown condition isdetected, the improved control system supplies an estimated positionwhich corresponds to the distance boundary established for detecting anoverflow condition. In the event an underblown condition is detected,the improved control system supplies an estimated position whichcorresponds to the distance boundary established for detecting anunderblown condition.

FIGS. 14, through 27 are a block diagram, schematic, and flowchartrepresentation of the preferred embodiment of a control system which isequipped with the alternative emergency condition control mode ofoperation. FIGS. 25, 26, and 27 provide graphic examples of theoperation of this alternative emergency condition control mode ofoperation.

FIG. 14 is a schematic and block diagram view of the preferredalternative control system 400 of the present invention of FIG. 5, withspecial emphasis on the supervisory control unit 75, and is identical inalmost all respects to the supervisory control unit 75 which is depictedin FIG. 6; therefore, identical referenced numerals are used to identifythe various components of alternative control system 400 of FIG. 14 asare used in the control system depicted in FIG. 6.

Extruded film tube 81 is shown in cross-section with ultrasonic sensor89 adjacent its outer wall. Ultrasonic sensor 89 emits interrogatingpulses which are bounced off of extruded film tube and sensed byultrasonic sensor 89. The time delay between transmission and receptionof the interrogating pulse is processed by transducer electronics 93 toproduce four outputs: CURRENT POSITION signal which is provided tosupervisory control unit 75 via analog output conductor 99, digitalTARGET PRESENT signal which is provided over digital output 105, aminimum override signal (MIO signal) indicative of a collapsing orundersized bubble which is provided over digital output conductor 103,and maximum override signal (MAO signal) indicative of an overblownextruded film tube 81 which is provided over a digital output conductor101.

As shown in FIG. 14, the position of extruded film tube 81 relative toultrasonic sensor 89 is analyzed and controlled with reference to anumber of distance thresholds and setpoints, which are shown in greaterdetail in FIG. 15. All set points and thresholds represent distancesfrom reference R. The control system of the present invention attemptsto maintain extruded film tube 81 at a circumference which places thewall of extruded film tube 81 at a tangent to the line established byreference A. The distance between reference R and set point A may beselected by the user through distance selector 111. This allows the userto control the distance between ultrasonic sensor 89 and extruded filmtube 81.

The operating range of acoustic transducer 79 is configurable by theuser with settings made in transducer electronics 93. In the preferredembodiment, using the Massa Products transducer, the range of operationof acoustic transducer 79 is between 3 to 24 inches. Therefore, the usermay select a minimum circumference threshold C and a maximumcircumference threshold B, below and above which an error signal isgenerated. Minimum circumference threshold C may be set by the user at adistance d3 from reference R. Maximum circumference threshold B may beselected by the user to be a distance d2 from reference R. In thepreferred embodiment, setpoint A is set a distance of 7 inches fromreference R. Minimum circumference threshold C is set a distance of10.8125 inches from reference R. Maximum circumference threshold B isset a distance of 4.1 inches from reference R. Transducer electronics 93allows the user to set or adjust these distances at will provided theyare established within the range of operation of acoustic transducer 79,which is between 3 and 24 inches.

Besides providing an analog indication of the distance betweenultrasonic sensors 89 and extruded film tube 81, transducer electronics93 also produces three digital signals which provide informationpertaining to the position of extruded film tube 81. If extruded filmtube 81 is substantially normal and within the operating range ofultrasonic sensor 89, a digital "1" is provided at digital output 105.The signal is representative of a TARGET PRESENT signal. If extrudedfilm tube 81 is not within the operating range of ultrasonic sensor 89or if a return pulse is not received due to curvature of extruded filmtube 81, TARGET PRESENT signal of digital output 103 is low. Asdiscussed above, digital output 103 is a minimum override signal MIO. Ifextruded film tube 81 is smaller in circumference than the referenceestablished by threshold C, minimum override signal MIO of digitaloutput 103 is high. Conversely, if circumference of extruded film tube81 is greater than the reference established by threshold C, the minimumoverride signal MIO is low.

Digital output 101 is for a maximum override signal MAO. If extrudedfilm tube 81 is greater than the reference established by threshold B,the maximum override signal MAO is high. Conversely, if thecircumference of extruded film tube 81 is less than the referenceestablished by threshold B, the output of maximum override signal MAO islow.

The minimum override signal MIO will stay high as long as extruded filmtube 81 has a circumference less than that established by threshold C.Likewise, the maximum override signal MAO will remain high for as longas the circumference of extruded film tube 81 remains larger than thereference established by threshold B.

Threshold D and threshold E are also depicted in FIG. 15. Threshold D isestablished at a distance d4 from reference R. Threshold E isestablished at a distance d5 from reference R. Thresholds D and E areestablished by supervisory control unit 75, not by acoustic transducer79. Threshold D represents a minimum circumference threshold forextruded film tube 81 which differs from that established by transducerelectronics 93. Likewise, threshold E corresponds to a maximumcircumference threshold which differs from that established by acoustictransducer 79. Thresholds D and E are established in the software ofsupervisory control unit 75, and provide a redundancy of control, andalso minimize the possibility of user error, since these threshold areestablished in software, and cannot be easily changed or accidentallychanged. The coordination of all of these thresholds will be discussedin greater detail below. In the preferred embodiment, threshold C isestablished at 10.8125 inches from reference R. Threshold E isestablished at 3.6 inches from reference R.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the ultrasonic sensor 89 coupled to sizingcage 23 of the blown film tower 13, with permissible extruded film tube81 operating ranges indicated thereon. Setpoint A is the desireddistance between ultrasonic sensor 89 and extruded film tube 81.Thresholds D and C are established at selected distances inward fromultrasonic sensor 89, and represent minimum circumference thresholds forextruded film tube 81. Thresholds B and E are established at selecteddistances from setpoint A, and establish separate maximum circumferencethresholds for extruded film tube 81. As shown in FIG. 16, extruded filmtube 81 is not at setpoint A. Therefore, additional air must be suppliedto the interior of extruded film tube 81 to expand the extruded filmtube 81 to the desired circumference established by setpoint A.

If extruded film tube 81 were to collapse, two separate alarm conditionswould be registered. One alarm condition will be established whenextruded film tube 81 falls below threshold C. A second and separatealarm condition will be established when extruded film tube 81 fallsbelow threshold D. Extruded film tube 81 may also become overblown. Inan overblown condition, two separate alarm conditions are possible. Whenextruded film tube 81 expands beyond threshold B, an alarm condition isregistered. When extruded film tube 81 expands further to extend beyondthreshold E, a separate alarm condition is registered.

As discussed above, thresholds C and B are subject to user adjustmentthrough settings in transducer electronics 93. In contrast, thresholds Dand E are set in computer code of supervisory control unit 75, and arenot easily adjusted. This redundancy in control guards againstaccidental or intentional missetting of the threshold conditions attransducer electronics 93. The system also guards against thepossibility of equipment failure in transducer 79, or gradual drift inthe threshold settings due to deterioration, or overheating of theelectronic components contained in transducer electronics 93.

Returning now to FIG. 14, operator control panel 137 and supervisorycontrol unit 75 will be described in greater detail. Operator controlpanel 137 includes setpoint display 109, which serves to display thedistance d1 between reference R and setpoint A. Setpoint display 109includes a 7 segment display. Distance selector 111 is used to adjustsetpoint A. Holding the switch to the "+" position increases thecircumference of extruded film tube 81 by decreasing distance d1 betweensetpoint A and reference R. Holding the switch to the "-" positiondecreases the diameter of extruded film tube 81 by increasing thedistance between reference R and setpoint A.

Target indicator 113 is a target light which displays informationpertaining to whether extruded film tube 81 is within range ofultrasonic transducer 89, whether an echo is received at ultrasonictransducer 89, and whether any error condition has occurred. Blowerswitch 139 is also provided in operator control panel 137 to allow theoperator to selectively disconnect the blower from the control unit. Asshown in FIG. 14, all these components of operator control panel 137 areelectrically coupled to supervisory control unit 75.

Supervisory control unit 75 responds to the information provided byacoustic transducer 79, and operator control panel 137 to actuateproportional valve 125. Proportional valve 125 in turn acts uponpneumatic cylinder 127 to rotate rotary valve 129 to control the airflow to the interior of extruded film tube 81.

With the exception of analog to digital converter 141, digital to analogconverter 143, and digital to analog converter 145 (which are hardwareitems), supervisory control unit 75 is a graphic representation ofcomputer software resident in memory of supervisory control unit 75. Inone embodiment, supervisory control unit 75 comprises an industrialcontroller, preferably a Texas Instrument brand industrial controllerModel No. PM550. Therefore, supervisory control unit 75 is essentially arelatively low-powered computer which is dedicated to a particular pieceof machinery for monitoring and controlling. In the preferredembodiment, supervisory control unit 75 serves to monitor many otheroperations of blown film extrusion line 11. The gauging and control ofthe circumference of extruded film tube 81 through computer software isone additional function which is "piggybacked" onto the industrialcontroller. Alternately, it is possible to provide an industrialcontroller or microcomputer which is dedicated to the monitoring andcontrol of the extruded film tube 81. Of course, dedicating amicroprocessor to this task is a rather expensive alternative.

For purposes of clarity and simplification of description, the operationof the computer program in supervisory control unit 75 have beensegregated into operational blocks, and presented as an amalgamation ofdigital hardware blocks. In the preferred embodiment, these softwaresubcomponents include: software filter 149, emergency condition controlmode logic 150, health state logic 151, automatic sizing and recoverylogic 153, loop mode control logic 155, volume setpoint control logic157, and output clamp 159. These software modules interface with oneanother, and to PI loop program 147 of supervisory control unit 75. PIloop program is a software routine provided in the Texas Instruments'PM550 system. The proportional controller regulates a process bymanipulating a control element through the feedback of a controlledoutput. The equation for the output of a PI controller is:

    m=K*e+K/T∫e dt+ms

In this equation:

m=controller output

K=controller gain

e=error

T=reset time

dt=differential time

ms=constant

∫e dt=integration of all previous errors

When an error exists, it is summed (integrated) with all the previouserrors, thereby increasing or decreasing the output of the PI controller(depending upon whether the error is positive or negative). Thus as theerror term accumulates in the integral term, the output changes so as toeliminate the error.

CURRENT POSITION signal is provided by acoustic transducer 79 via analogoutput 99 to analog to digital converter 141, where the analog CURRENTPOSITION signal is digitized. The digitized CURRENT POSITION signal isrouted through software filter 149, and then to PI loop program 147. Ifthe circumference of extruded film tube 81 needs to be adjusted, PI loopprogram 147 acts through output clamp 159 upon proportional valve 125 toadjust the quantity of air provided to the interior of extruded filmtube 81.

FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of the automatic sizing andrecovery logic ASRL of supervisory control unit 75. As stated above,this figure is a hardware representation of a software routine. ASRL 153is provided to accommodate the many momentary false indications ofmaximum and minimum circumference violations which may be registered dueto noise, such as the noise created due to air flow between acoustictransducer 79 and extruded film tube 81. The input from maximum alarmoverride MAO is "ored" with high alarm D, from the PI loop program, at"or" operator 191. High alarm D is the signal generated by the programin supervisory control unit 75 when the circumference of extruded filmtube 81 exceeds threshold D of FIG. 15. If a maximum override MAO signalexists, or if a high alarm condition D exists, the output of "or"operator 191 goes high, and actuates delay timer 193.

Likewise, minimum override MIO signal is "ored" at "or" operator 195with low alarm E. If a minimum override signal is present, or if a lowalarm condition E exists, the output of "or" operator 195 goes high, andis directed to delay timer 197. Delay timers 193, 197 are provided toprevent an alarm condition unless the condition is held for 800milliseconds continuously. Every time the input of delay timers 193, 197goes low, the timer resets and starts from 0. This mechanism eliminatesmany false alarms.

If an alarm condition is held for 800 milliseconds continuously, anOVERBLOWN or UNDERBLOWN signal is generated, and directed to the healthstate logic 151. Detected overblown or underblown conditions are "ored"at "or" operator 199 to provide a REQUEST MANUAL MODE signal which isdirected to loop mode control logic 155.

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of the health-state logic 151 ofFIG. 14. The purpose of this logic is to control the target indicator113 of operator control panel 137. When in non-error operation, thetarget indicator 113 is on if the blower is on, and the TARGET PRESENTsignal from digital output 105 is high. When an error is sensed in themaximum override MAO or minimum override MIO lines, the target indicator113 will flash on and off in one half second intervals.

In health-state logic HSL 151, the maximum override signal MAO isinverted at inverter 205. Likewise, the minimum override signal isinverted at inverter 207.

"And" operator 209 serves to "and" the inverted maximum override signalMAO, with the OVERBLOWN signal, and high alarm signal D. A high outputfrom "and" operator 209 indicates that something is wrong with thecalibration of acoustic transducer 79.

Likewise, "and" operator 213 serves to "and" the inverted minimumoverride signal MIO, with the OVERBLOWN signal, and low alarm signal E.If the output of "and" operator 213 is high, something is wrong with thecalibration of acoustic transducer 79. The outputs from "and" operators209, 213 are combined in "or" operator 215 to indicate an error witheither the maximum or minimum override detection systems. The output of"or" operator 215 is channeled through oscillator 219, and inverted atinverter 217. "And" operator 211 serves to "and" the TARGET PRESENTsignal, blower signal, and inverted error signal from "or" operator 215.The output of "and" operator of 211 is connected to target indicator113.

If acoustic transducer 79 is properly calibrated, the target is withinrange and normal to the sonic pulses, and the blower is on, targetindicator 113 will be on. If the target is within range and normal tothe sonic pulses, the blower is on, but acoustic transducer 79 is out ofcalibration, target indicator 113 will be on, but will be blinking. Theblinking signal indicates that acoustic transducer 79, and in particulartransducer electronics 93, must be recalibrated.

FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of loop mode control logic LMCL ofFIG. 14. The purpose of this software module is coordinate thetransition in modes of operation. Specifically, this software modulecoordinates automatic startup of the blown film extrusion process, aswell as changes in mode between an automated "cascade" mode and a manualmode, which is the required mode of the PI controller to enable underand overblown conditions of the extruded film tube 81 circumference. Theplurality of input signals are provided to loop mode control logic 155,including: BLOWER ON, REQUEST MANUAL MODE, PI LOOP IN CASCADE MODE,UNDERBLOWN and OVERBLOWN. Loop mode control logic LMCL 155 provides twooutput signals: MANUAL MODE, and CASCADE MODE.

FIG. 19 includes a plurality of digital logic blocks which arerepresentative of programming operations. "Or" operator 225 "ores" theinverted BLOWER ON SIGNAL to the REQUEST MANUAL MODE SIGNAL. "And"operator 227 "ands" the inverted REQUEST MANUAL MODE SIGNAL with aninverted MANUAL MODE SIGNAL, and the BLOWER ON SIGNAL. "And" operator229 "ands" the REQUEST MANUAL MODE SIGNAL to the inverted CASCADE MODESIGNAL. This prevents MANUAL MODE and CASCADE MODE from both being on atthe same time. "And" operator 231 "ands" the MANUAL MODE SIGNAL, theinverted UNDERBLOWN SIGNAL, and the OVERBLOWN SIGNAL. "And" operator 233"ands" the MANUAL MODE SIGNAL with the UNDERBLOWN SIGNAL. This causesthe overblown condition to prevail in the event a malfunction causesboth underblown and overblown conditions to be on. Inverters 235, 237,239, 241, and 243 are provided to invert the inputted output signals ofloop mode control logic 155 were needed. Software one-shot 245 isprovided for providing a momentary response to a condition. Softwareone-shot 245 includes "and" operator 247, off-delay 249, and inverter251.

The software of loop mode control logic 155 operates to ensure that thesystem is never in MANUAL MODE, and CASCADE MODE at the same time. Whenmanual mode is requested by REQUEST MANUAL MODE, loop mode control logic155 causes MANUAL MODE to go high. When manual mode is not requested,loop mode control logic 155 operates to cause CASCADE MODE to go high.MANUAL MODE and CASCADE MODE will never be high at the same time. Loopmode control logic 155 also serves to ensure that the system provides a"bumpless transfer" when mode changes occur. The term "cascade mode" isunderstood in the automation industries as referring to an automaticmode which will read an adjustable setpoint.

Loop mode control logic 155 will also allow for automatic startup of theblown film extrusion process. At startup, UNDERBLOWN SIGNAL is high, PILOOP IN CASCADE MODE is low, BLOWER ON SIGNAL is high. These inputs (andinverted inputs) are combined at "and" operators 231, 233. At startup,"and" operator 233 actuates logic block 253 to move the maximum air flowvalue address to the PI loop step 261. At startup, the MANUAL MODESIGNAL is high. For the PI loop controller of the preferred embodiment,when MANUAL MODE is high, the value contained in PI loop output addressis automatically applied to proportional valve 125. This results inactuation of proportional valve 125 to allow maximum air flow to startthe extruded film tube 81.

When extruded film tube 81 extends in size beyond the minimum threshold(C and D of FIG. 15 ), the UNDERBLOWN SIGNAL goes low, and the PI LOOPIN CASCADE MODE signal goes high. This causes software one-shot 245 totrigger, causing logic blocks 265, 267 to push an initial bias valuecontained in a program address onto the PI loop. Simultaneously, logicblocks 269, 271 operate to place the selected setpoint value A ontovolume-setpoint control logic VSCL 157. Thereafter, volume-setpointcontrol logic VSCL 157 alone serves to communicate changes in setpointvalue A to PI loop program 147.

If an overblown or underblown condition is detected for a sufficientlylong period of time, the controller will request a manual mode bycausing REQUEST MANUAL MODE SIGNAL to go high. If REQUEST MANUAL MODEgoes high, loop mode control logic LMCL 155 supervises the transferthrough operation of the logic blocks.

Loop mode control logic LMCL 155 also serves to detected overblown andunderblown conditions. If an overblown or underblown condition isdetected by the control system, REQUEST MANUAL MODE goes high, and theappropriate OVERBLOWN or UNDERBLOWN signal goes high. The logicoperators of loop mode control logic LMCL 155 operate to override thenormal operation of the control system, and cause maximum or minimum airflow by putting the maximum air flow address 261 or minimum air flowaddress 263 to the PI output address. As stated above, when MANUAL MODEis high, these maximum or minimum air flow address values are outputteddirectly to proportional valve 125. Thus, when the extruded film tube 81is overblown, loop mode control logic LMCL 155 operates to immediatelycause proportional valve 125 to minimize air flow to extruded film tube81. Conversely, if an underblown condition is detected, loop modecontrol logic LMCL 155 causes proportional valve 125 to immediatelymaximize air flow to extruded film tube 81.

FIG. 20 depicts the operation of volume-setpoint control logic VSCL 157.

Volume setpoint control logic VSCL 157 operates to increase or decreasesetpoint A in response to changes made by the operator at distanceselector 111 of operator control panel 137, when the PI loop program 147is in cascade mode, i.e. when PI LOOP IN CASCADE MODE signal is high.The INCREASE SETPOINT, DECREASE SETPOINT, and PI LOOP IN CASCADE MODEsignals are logically combined at "and" operators 283, and 287. These"and" operators act on logic blocks 285, 289 to increase or decrease thesetpoint contained in remote setpoint address 291. When the setpoint iseither increased or decreased, logic block 293 operates to add theoffset to the remote setpoint for display, and forwards the informationto digital to analog converter 143, for display at setpoint display 109of operator control panel 137. The revised remote setpoint address isthen read by the PI loop program 147.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart drawing of output clamp 159. The purpose of thissoftware routine is to make sure that the PI loop program 147 does notover drive the rotary valve 129 past a usable limit. Rotary valve 129operates by moving a vane to selectively occlude stationary openings. Ifthe moving vane is over driven, the rotary valve will begin to open whenthe PI loop calls for complete closure. In step 301, the output of thePI loop program 147 is read. In step 303, the output of PI loop iscompared to a maximum output. If it exceeds the maximum output, the PIoutput is set to a predetermined maximum output in step 305. If theoutput of PI loop does not exceed the maximum output, in step 307, theclamped PI output is written to the proportional valve 125 throughdigital to analog converter 145.

As shown in FIG. 14, emergency condition control mode logic 150 isprovided in supervisory control unit 75, and is shown in detail in FIG.22. As shown in FIG. 22, emergency condition control mode logic 150receives three input signals: the OVER BLOWN signal; the UNDERBLOWNsignal; and the TARGET filter signal. The emergency condition controlmode logic 150 provides as an output two variables to software filter149, including: "SPEED HOLD"; and "ALIGN HOLD". The OVERBLOWN signal isdirected to anticipation state "or" gate 403 and to inverter 405. TheUNDERBLOWN signal is directed to anticipation state "or" gate 403 and toinverter 407. The TARGET signal is directed through inverter 401 toanticipation state "or" gate 403, and to "and" gate 409. The output ofanticipation "or" gate 403 is the "or" combination of OVERBLOWN signal,and the inverted TARGET signal. Anticipation state "or" gate 403 and"and" gate 419 cooperate to provide a locking logic loop. The output of"or" gate 403 is provided as an input to "and" gate 419. The other inputto "and" gate 419 is the output of inverter 417. The output of inverter417 can be considered as a "unlocking" signal. If the OVERBLOWN signalor UNDERBLOWN signal is high, or the inverted TARGET signal is high, theoutput of anticipation state "or" gate 403 will go high, and will be fedas an input into "and" gate 419, as stated above. The output ofanticipation state "or" gate 403 is also provided as an input to "and"gates 413, 411, and 409. The other input to "and" gate 413 is theinverted OVERBLOWN signal. The other input to "and" gate 411 is theinverted UNDERBLOWN signal. The other input to "and" gate 409 is theTARGET signal. The outputs of "and" gates 409, 411, and 413 are providedto "or" gate 415. The output of "or" gate 415 is provided to inverter417.

In operation, the detection of an overblown or underblown condition, oran indication that the extruded film tube is out of range of the sensorwill cause the output of anticipation state "or" gate 403 to go high.This high output will be fed back through "and" gate 419 as an input toanticipation state "or" gate 403. Of course, the output of "and" gate419 will be high for so long as neither input to "and" gate 419 is low.Of course, one input to "and" gate 419 is high because a change in thestate of the OVER BLOWN signal, the UNDER BLOWN signal, and the TARGETsignal has been detected. The other input to "and" gate 419 iscontrolled by the output of inverter 417, which is controlled by theoutput of next-state "or" gate 415. As stated above, the output ofnext-state "or" gate 415 is controlled by the output of "and" gates 409,411, 413. In this configuration, anticipation state "or" gate 403 and"and" gate 419 are locked in a logic loop until a change is detected ina binary state of one of the following signals: the OVERBLOWN signal,the UNDERBLOWN signal, and the TARGET signal. A change in state of oneof these signals causes next-state "or" gate 415 to go high, whichcauses the output of inverter 417 to go low, which causes the output of"and" gate 419 to go low.

The output of next-state "or" gate 415 is also provided to timer starter421, the reset pin for timer starter 421, and the input of block 423.When a high signal is provided to the input of timer starter 421, athree second software clock is initiated. At the beginning of the threesecond period, the output of timer starter 421 goes from a normally highcondition to a temporary low condition; at the end of the three secondsoftware timer, the output of timer starter 421 returns to its normallyhigh condition. If any additional changes in the state of the OVERBLOWNsignal, the UNDERBLOWN signal, and the TARGET signal are detected, thesoftware timer is reset to zero, and begins running again. Theparticular change in the input signal of the OVERBLOWN signal, theUNDERBLOWN signal, and the TARGET signal, also causes the transmissionof a high output from "and" gates 409, 411, and 413 to blocks 429, 427,and 425 respectively.

In operation, when the input to block 423 goes high, the numeric valueassociated with the variable identified as "quick filter align" will bepushed to a memory variable identified as "speed hold". "Quick filteralign" is a filter variable which is used by software filter 149 (ofFIG. 23, which will be discussed below), which determines the maximumallowable rate of change in determining the estimated position. "Speedhold" is a holding variable which holds the numeric value for themaximum allowable rate of change in determining the estimated positionof the blown film tube. "Speed hold" can hold either a value identifiedas "quick filter align" or a value identified as "normal filter align"."Normal filter align" is a variable that contains a numeric value whichdetermines the normal maximum amount of change allowed in determiningthe estimated position of the blown film tube relative to thetransducer. Blocks 423 and 431 are both coupled to block 433 which is anoperational block representative of a "push" operation. Essentially,block 433 represents the activity of continuously and asynchronouslypushing the value held in the variable "speed hold" to "LT2" in softwarefilter 149 via data bus 402. The value for "normal filter align" is thesame as that discussed herebelow in connection with FIG. 8a, andcomprises thirteen counts, wherein counts are normalized unitsestablished in terms of voltage. The preferred value for "quick filteralign" is forty-eight counts. Therefore, when the software filter 149 isprovided with the quick filter align value, the control system is ableto change at a rate of approximately 3.7 times as fast as that during a"normal filter align" mode of operation.

Also, when a "locked" condition is obtained by anticipation state "or"gate 403 and "and" gate 419, any additional change in state of thevalues of any of the OVERBLOWN signal, the UNDERBLOWN signal, and theTARGET signal will cause "and" gates 409, 411, and 413 to selectivelyactivate blocks 429, 427, 425. Blocks 429, 427, and 425 are coupled toblock 433 which is linked by data bus 402 to software filter 149. Whenblock 429 receives a high input, the variable held in the memorylocation "target restore count" is moved to a memory location identifiedas "align hold". When block 427 receives a high input signal, the valueheld in the memory location identified as "underblown count" is moved toa memory value identified as "align hold". When block 425 receives ahigh input signal, the numeric value held in a memory locationidentified as "overblown count" is moved to a memory location identifiedas "align hold". As stated above, block 433 performs a continuousasynchronous "push" operation, and will push any value identified to the"align hold" memory location to the values of SAMPLE (N), SAMPLE (N-1),and BPE in the software filter of FIG. 23. In the preferred embodimentof the present invention, the value of "overblown count" is set tocorrespond to the distance between reference R and maximum circumferencethreshold B which is depicted in FIG. 16, which is established distanceat which the control system will determine that an "overblown" conditionexists. Also, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, thevalue of the "underblown" count will be set to a minimum circumferencethreshold C, which is depicted in FIG. 16, and which corresponds to thedetection of an underblown condition. Also, in the present invention,the value of "target restore count" is preferably established tocorrespond to the value of set point A, which is depicted in FIG. 16,and which corresponds generally to the distance between reference R andthe imaginary cylinder established by the position of the sizing cagewith respect to the blown film tube.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the preferred filtering process applied toCURRENT POSITION signal generated by the acoustic transducer. Thedigitized CURRENT POSITION signal is provided from analog to digitalconverter 141 to software filter 149. The program reads the CURRENTPOSITION signal in step 161. Then, the software filter 149 sets SAMPLE(N) to the position signal.

In step 165, the absolute value of the difference between CURRENTPOSITION (SAMPLE (N)) and the previous sample (SAMPLE (N-1)) is comparedto a first threshold. If the absolute value of the difference betweenthe current sample and the previous sample is less than first thresholdT1, the value of SAMPLE (N) is set to CFS, the current filtered sample,in step 167. If the absolute value of the difference between the currentsample and the previous sample exceeds first threshold T1, in step 169,the CURRENT POSITION signal is disregarded, and the previous positionsignal SAMPLE (N-1) is substituted in its place.

Then, in step 171, the suggested change SC is calculated, by determiningthe difference between the current filtered sample CFS and the bestposition estimate BPE. In step 173, the suggested change SC which wascalculated in step 171 is compared to positive T2, which is the maximumlimit on the rate of change. If the suggested change is within themaximum limit allowed, in step 177, allowed change AC is set to thesuggested change SC value. If, however, in step 173, the suggestedchange exceeds the maximum limit allowed on the rate of change, in step175, the allowed change is set to +LT2, a default value for allowedchange.

In step 179, the suggested change SC is compared to the negative limitfor allowable rates of change, negative T2. If the suggested change SCis greater than the maximum limit on negative change, in step 181,allowed change AC is set to negative -LT2, a default value for negativechange. However, if in step 179 it is determined that suggested changeSC is within the maximum limit allowed on negative change, in step 183,the allowed change AC is added to the current best position estimateBPE, in step 183. Finally, in step 185, the newly calculated bestposition estimate BPE is written to the PI loop program.

Software filter 149 is a two stage filter which first screens theCURRENT POSITION signal by comparing the amount of change, eitherpositive or negative, to threshold T1. If the CURRENT POSITION signal,as compared to the preceding position signal exceeds the threshold ofT1, the current position signal is discarded, and the previous positionsignal (SAMPLE (N-1)) is used instead. At the end of the first stage, instep 171, a suggested change SC value is derived by subtracting the bestposition estimate BPE from the current filtered sample CFS.

In the second stage of filtering, the suggested change SC value iscompared to positive and negative change thresholds (in steps 173 and179). If the positive or negative change thresholds are violated, theallowable change is set to a preselected value, either +LT2, or -LT2. Ofcourse, if the suggested change SC is within the limits set by positiveT2 and negative T2, then the allowable change AC is set to the suggestedchange SC.

As is shown in FIG. 23, data bus 201 couples the emergency conditioncontrol logic block 150 to software filter 149. As stated above,emergency condition control logic block 150 is designed toasynchronously push a numeric value identified in the memory location of"speed hold" to LT2 in software filter 149. Furthermore, emergencycondition control logic block 150 will asynchronously push a numericvalue in the memory location identified as "ALIGN HOLD" to SAMPLE (N),SAMPLE (N-1), and BPE. As stated above, SAMPLE N corresponds to thecurrent position signal as detected by the transducer. SAMPLE (N-1)corresponds to the previous position signal as determined by thetransducer. BPE corresponds to the best position estimate.

Since the operation of emergency condition control mode logic block 150is asynchronous, block 186 of FIG. 23 should be read and understood ascorresponding to an asynchronous read function. Therefore, at all times,as set forth in block 186, software filter 149 receives values of "speedhold" and "align hold" from emergency condition control mode logic block150, and immediate substitutes them into the various logic blocks foundin software filter 149. For example, SAMPLE (N) is found in logic blocks163, 165, and 167. SAMPLE (N-1) is found in logic blocks 165, and 169.BPE is found at logic block 183. The program function represented byblock 186 operates to asynchronously and immediately push the values of"speed hold" and "align hold" to these various functional blocks, sinceOVERBLOWN, UNDERBLOWN, and lost TARGET conditions can occur at any time.

The normal operation of software filter 149 may also be understood withreference to FIG. 24, and will be contrasted with examples of theemergency condition mode of operation as depicted in FIGS. 25, 26, and27. In the graph of FIG. 24, the y-axis represents the signal level, andthe x-axis represents time. The signal as sensed by acoustic transducer79 is designated as input, and shown in the solid line. The operation ofthe first stage of the software filter 149 is depicted by the currentfiltered sample CFS, which is shown in the graph by cross-marks. Asshown, the current filtered sample CFS operates to ignore large positiveor negative changes in the position signal, and will only change whenthe position signal seems to have stabilized for a short interval.Therefore, when changes occur in the current filtered sample CFS, theyoccur in a plateau-like manner.

In stage two of the software filter 149, the current filtered sample CFSis compared to the best position estimate BPE, to derive a suggestedchange SC value. The suggested SC is then compared to positive andnegative thresholds to calculate an allowable change AC which is thenadded to the best position estimate BPE. FIG. 24 shows that the bestposition estimate BPE signal only gradually changes in response to anupward drift in the POSITION SIGNAL. The software filtering system 149of the present invention renders the control apparatus relativelyunaffected by random noise, but capable of tracking the more "gradual"changes in bubble position.

Experimentation has revealed that the software filtering system of thepresent invention operates best when the position of extruded film tube81 is sampled between 20 to 30 times per second. At this sampling rate,one is less likely to incorrectly identify noise as a change incircumference of extruded film tube 81. The preferred sampling rateaccounts for the common noise signals encountered in blown filmextrusion liner.

Optional thresholds have also been derived through experimentation. Inthe first stage of filtering, threshold T1 is established as roughly onepercent of the operating range of acoustic transducer 79, which in thepreferred embodiment is twenty-one meters (24 inches less 3 inches). Inthe second stage of filter, thresholds +LT2 and -LT2 are established asroughly 0.30% of the operating range of acoustic transducer 79.

FIG. 25a is a graphic depiction of the control system response to thedetection of an UNDERBLOWN condition. The X-axis of the graph of FIG.25a is representative of time in seconds, and the Y-axis of the graph ofFIG. 25a is representative of position in units of voltage counts. Agraph of the best position estimate BPE is identified by dashed line503. A graph of the actual position of the extruded film tube withrespect to the reference position R is indicated by solid line 501. Onthis graph, line 505 is indicative of the boundary established fordetermining whether the blown film tube is in an "underblown" condition.Line 507 is provided as an indication of the normal position of theblown film tube. Line 509 is provided to establish a boundary fordetermining when a blown film tube is considered to be in an "overblown"condition.

The activities represented in the graph of FIG. 25a may be coordinatedwith the graph of FIG. 25b, which has an X-axis which is representativeof time in seconds, and a Y-axis which represents the binary conditionof the TARGET signal, and the UNDERBLOWN signal, as well as the outputof block 421 of FIG. 22, which is representative of the output of thetime out filter realignment software clock. Now, with simultaneousreference to FIGS. 25a and 25b, segment 511 of the best positionestimate indicates that for some reason the best position estimategenerated by software filter 149 is lagging substantially behind theactual position of the blown film tube. As shown in FIG. 25a, both theactual and estimated position of the blown film tube are in anunderblown condition, which is represented in the graph of FIG. 25b.

As stated above, in connection with FIG. 22 and the discussion of theoperation of the emergency condition control logic block 150, thelocking software loop which is established by anticipation state "or"gate 403 and "and" gate 419 will lock the output of anticipation state"or" gate 403 to a high condition. Therefore, next-state "or" gate 415is awaiting the change in condition of any of the following signals: theOVERBLOWN signal, the UNDERBLOWN signal, and the TARGET signal. As shownin FIG. 25a, at a time of 6.5 seconds, the actual position of the blownfilm tube comes within the boundary 505 established for the underblowncondition, causing the output of next-state "or" gate 415 to go high,which causes the output of inverter 417 to go low, which causes theoutput of "and" gate 419 to go low. This change in state also starts thesoftware timer of block 421, and causes block 427 to push the value of"underblown count" to the "align hold" variable. Also, simultaneously,software block 423 pushes the value of " quick filter align" to the"speed hold" variable. The values of "speed hold" and "underblown count"are automatically pushed to block 433. Meanwhile, the software timer ofblock 421 overrides the normal and continuous pushing of "normal filteralign" to the "speed hold" variable for a period three seconds. Thethree second period expires at 9.5 seconds.

Thus, for the three second time interval 513, software filter 149 isallowed to respond more rapidly to change than during normal operatingconditions. As shown in FIG. 22, block 433 operates to automatically andasynchronously push the value of "speed hold" to "LT2" in softwarefilter 149. Simultaneously, block 433 operates to continuously,automatically, and asynchronously push the value of "align hold" toSAMPLE (N), SAMPLE (N-1) and BPE in software filter 149. This overridingof the normal operation of software filter 149 for a three secondinterval allows the software best position estimate 503 to catch up withthe actual position 501 of the blown film tube. The jump represented bysegment 515 in the best position estimate 503 of the blown film tube isrepresentative of the setting of SAMPLE (N), SAMPLE (N-1) and BPE to the"underblown count" which is held in the "align hold" variable. Segment517 of the best position estimate 503 represents the more rapid rate ofchange allowable during the three second interval, and depicts the bestposition estimate line 503 tracking the actual position line 501 for abrief interval. At the expiration of the three second interval, softwarefilter 149 of the control system returns to a normal mode of operationwhich does not allow such rapid change in the best position estimate.

FIGS. 26a and 26b provide an alternative example of the operation of theemergency condition control mode of operation of the present invention.In this example, the TARGET signal represented in segment 525 of FIG.26b is erroneously indicating that the blown film tube is out of rangeof the transducer. Therefore, segment 529 of dashed line 527 indicatesthat the best position estimate according to software filter 149 is setat a default constant value indicative of the blown film tube being outof range of the transducer, and is thus far from indicative of theactual position which is indicated by line 531. This condition may occurwhen the blown film tube is highly unstable so that the interrogatingpulses from the transducer are deflected, preventing sensing of theblown film tube by the transducer. Segment 533 of FIG. 26b isrepresentative of stabilization of the blown film tube and transition ofthe TARGET signal from an "off" state to an "on" state. This transitiontriggers initiation of the three second software timer which is depictedby segment 535. The time period begins at 12.5 seconds and ends at 15.5seconds. The transition of the TARGET signal from a low to a highcondition triggers the pushing of the "target restore count" value tothe "align hold" variable, as is graphically depicted by segment 537.During the three second interval, the best position estimate establishedby software filter 149 is allowed to change at a rate which isestablished by the "quick filter align" value which is pushed to the"speed hold" variable and bused to software filter 149. At thetermination of the three second interval, the software filter 149returns to normal operation.

FIG. 27a provides yet another example of the operation of the emergencycondition control mode. Segment 541 of FIG. 27b indicates that theTARGET signal is in a low condition, indicating that the blown film tubeis out of range of the transducer. Segment 543 indicates that the blownfilm tube has come into range of the transducer, and the TARGET signalgoes from a low to a high condition. Simultaneous with the movement ofthe blown film tube into range of the transducer, the UNDERBLOWN signalgoes from a low to a high condition indicating that the blown film tubeis in an underblown condition. Segment 545 of FIG. 27b indicates atransition from a high UNDERBLOWN signal to a low UNDERBLOWN signal,which indicates that the blown film tube is no longer in an underblowncondition. This transition initiates the three second interval whichallows for more rapid adjustment of the best position estimate.

FIG. 28 is a schematic and block diagram representation of an airflowcircuit for use in a blown film extrusion system. Input blower 613 isprovided to provide a supply of air which is routed into airflow circuit611. The air is received by conduit 615 and directed to airflow controldevice 617 of the present invention. Airflow control device 617 operatesas a substitute for a conventional rotary-type airflow valve 631, whichis depicted in simplified form also in FIG. 28. The preferred airflowcontrol device 617 of the present invention is employed to increase anddecrease the flow of air to supply distributor box 619 which provides anair supply to annular die 621 from which blown film tube 623 extendsupward. Air is removed from the interior of blown film tube 623 byexhaust distributor box 625 which routes the air to conduit 627, andeventually to exhaust blower 629.

The preferred airflow control device 617 is depicted in fragmentarylongitudinal section view in FIG. 29. As is shown, airflow controldevice 617 includes housing 635 which defines inlet 637 and outlet 639and airflow pathway 641 through housing 635. A plurality of selectivelyexpandable flow restriction members 671 are provided within housing 635in airflow pathway 641. In the view of FIG. 29, selectively-expandableflow restriction members 673, 675, 677, 679, and 681 are depicted. Otherselectively-expandable flow restriction members are obscured in the viewof FIG. 29. Manifold 685 is provided to route pressurized air to theinterior of selectively-expandable flow restriction members 671, andincludes conduit 683 which couples to a plurality of hoses, such ashoses 687, 689, 691, 693, 695 which are depicted in FIG. 29 (other hosesare obscured in FIG. 29).

Each of the plurality of selectively-expandable flow restriction membersincludes an inner air-tight bladder constructed of an expandablematerial such as an elastomeric material. The expandable bladder issurrounded by an expandable and contractible metal assembly. Preferably,each of the plurality of selective-expandable flow restriction membersis substantially oval in cross-section view (such as the view of FIG.29), and traverse airflow pathway 641 across the entire width of airflowpathway 641. Air flows over and under each of the plurality ofselectively-expandable airflow restriction members, and each of themoperates as an choke to increase and decrease the flow of air throughhousing 635 as they are expanded and contracted. However, the flowrestriction is accomplished without creating turbulence in the airflow,since the selectively-actuable flow restriction members are foil shaped.

Returning now to FIG. 28, airflow control device 617 is coupled toproportional valve 657 which receives either a current or voltagecontrol signal and selectively vents pressurized fluid to airflowcontrol device 617. In the preferred embodiment, proportional valve 657is manufactured by Proportion Air of McCordsville, Ind. Supply 651provides a source of pressurized air which is routed through pressureregulator 653 which maintains the pressurized air at a constant 30pounds per square inch of pressure. The regulated air is directedthrough filter 655 to remove dust and other particulate matter, and thenthrough proportional valve 657 to airflow control device 617.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, airflow controldevice 617 is manufactured by Tek-Air Systems, Inc. of Northvale, N.J.,and is identified as a "Connor Model No. PRD Pneumavalve". This valve isthe subject matter of at least two U.S. patents, including U.S. Pat. No.3,011,518, which issued in December of 1961 to Day et al., and U.S. Pat.No. 3,593,645, which issued on Jul. 20, 1971, to Day et al., which wasassigned to Connor Engineering Corporation of Danbury, Conn., and whichis entitled "Terminal Outlet for Air Distribution", both of which areincorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.

Experiments have revealed that this type of airflow control deviceprovides for greater control than can be provided by rotary type valve631 (depicted in FIG. 28 for comparison purposes only), and isespecially good at providing control in mismatched load situations whichwould ordinarily be difficult to control economically with a rotary typevalve.

A number of airflow control devices like airflow control device 617 canbe easily coupled together in either series or parallel arrangement tocontrol the total volume of air provided to a blown film line or toallow economical load matching. In FIG. 28, a series and a parallelcoupling of airflow control devices is depicted in phantom, with airflowcontrol devices 681, 683, and 685 coupled together with airflow controldevice 617. As shown in the detail airflow control device 617 is inparallel with airflow control device 683 but is in series communicationwith airflow control device 685. Airflow control device 685 is inparallel communication with airflow control device 681. Airflow controldevices 681 and 683 are in series communication.

The present invention is also directed to a method and apparatus forcooling extruded film tubes, which utilizes a mass air flow sensor toprovide a measure of the flow of air in terms of both the air densityand air flow rate. The mass air flow sensor provides a numerical valuewhich is indicative of the mass air flow in an air flow path within ablown film extrusion system. A controller is provided for receiving themeasure of mass air flow from the mass air flow sensor and for providinga control signal to an adjustable air flow attribute modifier whichserves to selectively modify the mass air flow in terms of mass per unittime by typically changing one or more of the cooling air temperature,the cooling air humidity, or the cooling air velocity. The preferredmethod and apparatus for cooling extrude film tubes is depicted anddescribed in detail in FIGS. 30 through 36, and the accompanying text.

The particular type of mass air flow sensor utilized in the presentinvention makes practical the utilization of mass air flow values inblown film extrusion systems. Of course, "mass air flow" is simply thetotal density of the cooling air or gas multiplied times the flow rateof the cooling air or gas. Typically, blown film extrusion lines utilizeambient air for cooling and/or sizing the molten blown film tube as itemerges from the annular die. It may become economically practical inthe future to utilize gases other than ambient air; for purposes ofclarity and simplicity, in this detailed description and the claims, theterm "air" is intended to comprehend both ambient air as well asspecially provided gases or gas mixtures.

While it is simple to state what the "mass air flow" represents, it isfar more difficult to calculate utilizing conventional techniques. Thisis true because of the difficulty associated with calculating thedensity of air. Air which contains water vapor requires the followinginformation for the accurate calculation of "mass air flow": therelative humidity of the air, the absolute pressure of the air, thetemperature of the air, the saturation vapor pressure for the air at thegiven temperature, the partial pressure of the water vapor at the giventemperature, the specific gravity of the air, and the flow rate of theair. Utilizing conventional sensors, one could easily measure relativehumidity, temperature of the air, absolute pressure, and the flow rateof the air. With established data tables correlating the temperature ofthe gas and the relative humidity, the saturation vapor pressure and thepartial pressure of the water vapor can be calculated. For ambient airapplications, the specific gravity of the gas is unity so it drops outof consideration. A good overview of the complexity associated with thecalculation of these factors which make up the "mass air flow" isprovided in a book entitled Fan Engineering: An Engineers Handbook OnFans And Their Applications, edited by Robert Jorgensen, 8th edition,which is published by Buffalo Forge Company of Buffalo, N.Y. While suchcalculations are not particularly difficult given modern technologiesfor both sensors and data processors, the utilization of a single sensorwhich provides a direct indication of the "mass air flow" lessens thecosts associated with implementation of the method and apparatus forcooling extruded film tubes of the present invention. Such use of a massair flow sensor also reduces the complexity associated with calculatingmass air flow utilizing a more conventional technique. This can be seenby comparing the calculations required for a system which does notutilize a mass air flow sensor, with one which does utilize a mass airflow sensor. The "mass flow rate" of air is determined by equation 1.1which is set forth here below:

Equation 1.1

    Mass Flow Rate=Density*Flow Rate

Of course, the flow rate is easy to obtain from flow rate meters, butthe density of the cooling air must be determined in accordance withequation 1.2 which is set forth here below: ##EQU1## wherein P isrepresentative of the absolute pressure of the air, Pws isrepresentative of the saturation vapor pressure, φ is representative ofthe relative humidity, and ω is representative of the ratio of thedensity of the water vapor to the density of dry air, and T isrepresentative of the temperature of the cooling air in degrees F. Sincewe measure P, φ, and T directly, we only have to derive Pws and ω. Byusing a saturation vapor pressures table of water, we can determine thesaturation vapor pressure (Pws) from the temperature of the cooling air.The following equation 1.3 allows one to calculate ω, which is the ratioof the water vapor density to dry air density: ##EQU2## This formula isaccurate to 0.1% in the range of temperatures from 32° F. to 400° F.

Therefore, it is evident that, in addition to a velocity sensor, sensorsmust be provided for the measurement of pressure, relative humidity, andtemperature. Additionally, the saturation vapor pressure and the ratioof the density of water vapor to the density of dry air must becalculated utilizing a provided table, which in microprocessorimplementations must be represented by a data array maintained inmemory. All together, the complexity and opportunity for error presentedby such an array of sensors and series of calculations and table look-upoperations renders this technique difficult and expensive to implement.

In contrast, the present invention for cooling extruded tubes utilizes asingle sensor which provides a direct measurement of the mass air flow.Such mass air flow sensors have found their principle application ininternal combustion engines, and are described and claimed in thefollowing issued United States Patents, each of which is incorporatedherein by reference as if fully set forth:

(1) U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,704, to Sato et al., entitled Air IntakeApparatus For Internal Combustion Engine, which issued on Jan. 4, 1983,and which is owned by Hitachi, LTD., of Tokyo, Japan;

(2) U.S. Pat. No. 4,517,837, to Oyama et al., entitled Air Flow RateMeasuring Apparatus, which issued on May 21, 1985, and which is owned byHitachi, LTD., of Tokyo, Japan;

(3) U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,327, to Atwood, entitled Mass Air Flow Meter,which issued on Sep. 17, 1991;

(4) U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,858, to Atwood, entitled Mass Air Flow Meter,which issued on Jan. 19, 1993.

Mass air flow sensors operate generally as follows. One or more(typically platinum) resistor elements are provided in an air flow pathway. An energizing current is provided to the one or more resistorelements. Air passing over the resistor elements reduces the temperatureof the resistor elements. A control circuit is provided which maintainscurrents at a constant amount in accordance with King's Principal.

For the particular mass air flow sensor utilized in the preferredembodiment of the present invention, the mass air flow of the airflowing through an air pathway within a blown film extrusion system isestablished in accordance with equation 1.4 as follows:

Equation 1.4

    Mass Flow Rate=α1.601 (sensor reading+offset).sup.C

wherein the constants are attributable to the specific construction ofthe sensor assembly.

In accordance with the present invention, a mass air flow sensor isutilized to control air flow to cool molten polymers when extruded in athin film tube. The air flow may be provided in contact with either aninterior surface of the thin film tube, an exterior surface of the thinfilm tube, or both an interior surface of the thin film tube and anexterior surface of the thin film tube. The air flow amount must beconsistent in order to maintain the desired cooling rate of the polymer.Changes in the cooling rate modify the extent to which polymer chainsare formed, linked, and cross-linked. Under the prior art, the coolingair is at best controlled to a constant temperature. There is noconsideration in prior art systems to the changes in the heat removingcapacity of the air as the air gets more or less humid, or as theabsolute pressure changes. Changes in the barometric pressure of oneinch of mercury can change the mass air flow rate by 3.3%. Changes inthe temperature in the air typically have the greatest effect on theheat removing capacity of the cooling air: a 10% change for each 40° F.change in temperature. The relative humidity of the cooling air likewisechanges the heat removing capacity of the cooling air, with a 10% changein relative humidity causing a tenth of 1% change in mass air flow rate.It is estimated that utilization of the present invention in blown filmextrusion lines which have temperature control will add an additionalaccuracy in cooling up to 3.5%. For blown film extrusion lines which donot have temperature control, the consistency in cooling can be improvedby an amount estimated at 13% to 15% provided physical limits of theattribute modifying equipment are not reached.

Cooling efficiency of course influences the production rates which canbe obtained by blown film extrusion lines. Generally speaking, it isdesirable to have the extruded molten material change in state from amolten state to a solid state before the blown film tube travels apredetermined distance from the annular die. In the industry, thelocation of the state change is identified as the "frost line" in ablown film tube. In the prior art, when big changes occur in thetemperature, humidity, or barometric pressure, the frost line of theextruded film tube may move upward or downward relative to a desiredlocation. This may cause the operator of the blown film line to decreaseproduction volumes in order to keep from jeopardizing product quality,since product quality is in part determined by the position or locationof the frost line. While utilization of the present invention improvesthe cooling of extruded film tubes, the present invention also can beutilized to compensate for changes in the mass air flow rate of thecooling gas supplied to the interior of a blown film tube and the hotexhaust gas drawn from the blown film tube, to provide essentially aconstant frost line height, or at least a frost line height that doesnot move because of changes in the mass air flow rate. Of course, thepresent invention can be utilized in combination with prior art externalcooling devices for blown film extrusion lines to provide the samebenefit.

So considered broadly, the present invention can be utilized toaccomplish a number of desirable results, including:

(1) it can be used as a frost line leveler for blown film extrusionlines with external air cooling only;

(2) it can be used in both the supply and exhaust systems of aninternal-bubble-cooling blown film extrusion system to manage andmaintain a balanced air flow between the supply and exhaust, which couldgreatly stabilize the position of the frost line insofar as changes inthe ambient temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure effect theposition of the frost line; this could eliminate the need for prior artfrost line location sensors;

(3) the mass air flow sensor can be utilized in combination with thecontroller or computer to determine the most effective and efficientoperating range of flow pump devices such as blowers, and fans, byallowing the computer to determine the mass air flow rate with relationto blower speed (and valve position) and then systematically eliminateundesirable ranges of operation, which are generally found at the lowestand highest ends of the operating range, where the flow pump or valvemay perform in a non-linear fashion which would introduce unstablecharacteristics into the operation of the blown film line;

(4) the mass air flow sensor can be utilized to provide a rather slowfeed back signal to a supply blower in the blown film line, tocompensate for changes in the ambient air, such as temperature,humidity, and barometric pressure, which effect the mass air flow rate;

(5) the mass air flow sensor can be used to provide a feed back loopwhich enhances the operation of a flow control valve in the line, toensure that the valve operation is providing a particular air flowcharacteristic in response to a particular valve activation signal.

In the following detailed description, FIGS. 30 and 31 are directed to ablown film extrusion system which includes an internal cooling air flowand an external cooling air flow. In contrast, the detailed descriptionrelating to FIGS. 32 through 35 are directed to a more simple blown filmextrusion system which includes only an external cooling air flow.

With reference first to FIG. 30, there is depicted aninternal-bubble-cooling blown film extrusion line 701 in schematic form.As is shown, blown film tube 703 is extruded from annular die 705. Anultrasonic transducer 707 is utilized to gage the position of blown filmtube 703, and provides a control signal to position processor 709, allof which has been discussed in detail in this detailed description. Asizing cage 711 is provided to size and stabilize the blown film tube703. A flow of internal cooling air is supplied to the interior of blownfilm tube 703 through supply stack 713. As is conventional, exhauststack 717 is also provided in an interior position within blown filmtube 703 for removing the cooling air from the interior of blown filmtube 703. A cooling air is supplied to supply stack 713 through supplydistributer box 715, and the exhausted air is removed from blown filmtube 703 through exhaust distributor box 719. Additionally, an externalcooling air ring 721 is provided for directing a cooling stream of airto an exterior surface of blown film tube 703. Cooling air ring 721collaborates with the internal cooling air stream to change the state ofthe molten material from a molten state to a solid state. Cooling airring 721 is provided with entrained ambient air from air ring blower 723which may be set to a flow rate either manually or automatically.

Supply distributor box 715 is provided with an entrained stream ofcooling air in the following manner. Ambient air is entrained by theoperation of supply blower 729. It is received at input filter 725, andpassed through (optional) manual damper 727. If supply blower 729 is avariable-speed-drive type of supply blower, then manual damper 727 isnot required. Preferably, however, supply blower 729 is a variable speeddrive controller which provides a selected amount of air flow inresponse to a command received at a control input ofvariable-speed-drive 731. Also, preferably, variable speed drivecontroller is optionally subject to synchronous command signals from IBCcontroller 753 which controls the general operations of the blown filmextrusion line. The entrained ambient air is routed through air flowpath 755, first through cooling system 733, which preferably includes aplurality of heat exchange coils and heat transference medium incommunication with the air flow, which receives a circulating heatexchange medium (such as chilled water for transferring heat), past massair flow sensor 737, through air flow control device 739 (such as thatdepicted and described in connection with FIGS. 28 and 29 above), andthrough supply distributer box 715. Mass air flow sensor 737 provides avoltage signal which is indicative of the mass air flow of the airflowing through air flow path 755 in the region between cooling system733 and air flow control device 739. Air flow control device 739operates in response to proportional valve 741 and selectively receivescompressed air from compressed air supply 743. Air flow control device739 includes a plurality of members which may be expanded and contractedto enlarge or reduce the air flow path way through the housing of airflow control device. This allows for the matching of loads, as isdiscussed above in connection with FIGS. 28 and 29. Proportional valve741 is under the control of IBC controller 753.

Exhaust distributer box 719 removes cooling air from blown film tube 703and routes it through damper 745, into air flow path 755. The air passesthrough mass air flow sensor 747 which provides a voltage which isindicative of the mass air flow of the exhaust from blown film tube 703.The air is pulled from air flow path 755 by the operation of exhaustblower 749 which is responsive to an operator command, preferablythrough a variable speed drive 751, which is also preferably under thesynchronous control command of IBC controller 753.

In broad overview, mass air flow sensor 737 provides an indication ofthe mass air flow of the cooling air which is supplied through supplydistributor box 715 to supply stack 713. This cooling air removes heatfrom blown film tube 703, helping it change from a molten state to asolid state. Mass air flow sensor 747 is in communication with theexhaust air removed through exhaust stack 717 and exhaust distributorbox 719. Mass air flow sensor 747 provides a voltage which is indicativeof the mass air flow of the exhaust cooling air. The measurementsprovided by mass air flow sensors 737, 747 are supplied to a controllerwhich includes a microprocessor component for executing preprogrammedinstructions.

In accordance with the present invention, IBC controller 753 comparesthe values from mass air flow sensors, 737, 747 and then providescommand controls to variable speed drives 731, 751 in order to effectthe operation of supply blower 729 and/or exhaust blower 749.Preferably, IBC controller 753 may be utilized in response to anoperator command to maintain supply blower 729 and/or exhaust blower 749at a particular level or magnitude of blower operation, or to provide aparticular ratio of blower operation, so that when the temperature,humidity, or barometric pressure of the ambient air changessignificantly, the blowers adjust the flow rate of the input cooling airand exhaust cooling air to blown film tube 703 to maintain a uniformityof heat absorbing capacity of the internal cooling air, notwithstandingthe change in temperature, humidity, and/or barometric pressure.

The operation of this rather simple feed back loop is set forth inflowchart form in FIG. 36. The process starts at software block 771, andcontinues at software block 773, wherein IBC controller 753 receives anoperator command from either an operator interface 757 on IBC controller753, or an operator interface 759 on variable speed drive 731. Next,values provided by mass air flow sensors 737 and 747 are recorded inmemory, in accordance with software block 775. Then, in accordance withstep 777, operation set points are derived. For example, a particularratio between the mass air flow detected at mass air flow sensor 737 andmass air flow sensor 747 may be derived. Then, in accordance with step779, IBC controller 753 monitors signals from mass air flow sensors 737and 747 for changes in mass air flow, which are principly due to changesin the ambient temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. Once achange is detected, in accordance with step 781, IBC controller 753synchronously adjusts the variable speed drives 759, 731, 751 in orderto affect the value of the mass air flow of ambient air which has beenentrained and which is flowing through air flow passage way 755 in amanner which returns operation to the set point values derived in step777. For example, variable speed drive 731, 751 may be utilized toincrease or decrease the volume of air entrained by supply blower 729and/or exhausted by exhaust blower 749. In accordance with step 783,this process is repeated until an additional operator command isreceived. Such commands may include an instruction to obtain a newoperation set point, or to discontinue the feed back loop untilinstructed otherwise. A cooling coil 738 may also be provided incommunication with air flow path 745, and may be adjusted in response toIBC controller 753 to adjust the value of mass air flow.

FIG. 31 depicts an alternative to the embodiment of FIG. 30, whereinmass air flow sensors are utilized to control both the internal coolingair supply to the interior of blown film tube 703 and an externalcooling air stream which is supplied to the exterior surface of blownfilm tube 703 from air ring 721. The figures differ in that, in additionof having a control system for internal cooling air, a control systemfor external cooling air is also provided with a mass air flow sensor747 positioned in air flow path 741 between air ring blower 723 andcooling air ring 721. Mass air flow sensor 747 provides a measurement ofthe mass air flow of the air flowing within air flow path 745. Thismeasurement is provided to IBC controller 753 and compared to a setpoint value which has been either manually entered by the operator atoperator interface 757 or which has been automatically obtained inresponse to an operator command made at operator interface 757. IBCcontroller 753 supplies a control signal to variable speed drive 744which is utilized to adjust the operating condition of air ring blowereither upward or downward in order to maintain the established setpoint. If the mass air flow sensor 747 indicates to IBC controller 753that the total mass air flow has been diminished (perhaps due to changesin temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure), then IBC controller753 may supply a command signal to variable speed drive 744 whichincreases the throughput of air ring blower 723 in a manner whichcompensates for the diminishment in mass air flow as detected by massair flow sensor 747. If mass air flow sensor 747 detects an increase inthe mass air flow, IBC controller 753 may provide a command signal tovariable speed drive 744 which reduces the throughput of air ring blower723, thus diminishing the amount of mass air flow in order to make itequal to the set point maintained in memory in response to an operatorcommand. This simple feedback loop is also characterized by theflowchart depiction in FIG. 36. Since changes in ambient temperature,ambient humidity, and barometric pressure are rather slow, it is notnecessary that this feedback loop be a very fast loop. It is sufficientthat every few minutes the value for the mass air flow sensor bemonitored to determine the numeric value of the mass air flow, that thisvalue be compared to a set point recorded in memory, and that anappropriate command be provided to a blower in order to adjust the massair flow upward or downward to make it equivalent to the set pointvalue. This allows a program which implements the present invention tobe "piggy backed" onto the IBC controller 753. The calculations requiredto compare mass air flow values to set points is trivial, and theseoperations need only be performed every few minutes, so the IBCcontroller can spend the vast majority of its computational power ofcontrolling the blown film line, with only a de minimis portion expendedto occasional checking and adjusting of the mass air flow. Additionally,a cooling coil 748 may be provided in communication with air flow path745, and may be adjusted in response to IBC controller 753 to adjust thevalue of mass air flow.

The present invention can also be utilized in far simpler blown filmextrusion systems which utilize only external cooling air to remove heatfrom a molten blown film tube. Four particular embodiments are depictedin FIGS. 32, 33, 34, and 35. In each of these embodiments, a mass airflow sensor is positioned intermediate and external cooling air ring anda blower for entraining and supplying air to the cooling ring.Additionally an adjustable air flow attribute modifier is provided inthe air flow path for selectively modifying the air mass per unit time.This adjustable air flow attribute modifier may comprise any mechanismfor adjusting for modifying the mass air flow, but in particular willmost probably comprise a cooling coil system which chills the coolingair, or an air flow control device which restricts or enlarges thequantity of air available for entrainment by the supply blower, or afluid injection system which modifies the humidity of the cooling air.Each of these three principle alternative embodiments will be discussedin detail herebelow in connection with FIGS. 32, 33, 34, and 35.

Turning first to FIG. 32, an external cooling blown film extrusion lineis depicted in schematic form. Plastic pellets are loaded into resinhopper 791, passed through heating apparatus 793, and driven by extruder795 through die 797 to form a molten extruded film tube 789, with aportion of the extruded film tube 789 below frost line 801 being in amolten state, and that portion above frost line 801 being in a solidstate. Air ring 799 is positioned adjacent die 797 and adapted to routecooling air along the exterior surface of blown film tube 789. Air ring799 is supplied with cooling air which is entrained by air ring blower803, routed through cooling coils 805 of cooling system 809, and throughmass air flow sensor 807. Preferably, mass air flow sensor 807 ispositioned in air flow path 821 intermediate cooling coils 805 andexternal cooling air ring 799. Cooling coils 805 are adapted to receivechilled water 813 from chiller system 811. Controller 815 is providedfor receiving a signal from mass air flow sensor 807 which is indicativeof the mass air flow of the cooling air flowing through air flow path821, and for providing a command signal to chiller system 811 whichadjusts the temperature of chilled water 813 which is routed throughcooling coil 805. A feed back loop is established about a set pointselected by the operator when a set point selection command button 817is depressed. Controller 815 will respond to the command by recording inmemory the mass air flow value provided by mass air flow sensor 807, andby adjusting the chiller system 811 upward or downward in temperature inorder to maintain the mass air flow value of cooling air flowing throughair flow path 821 at a value established by the set point. Of course,the operator has an operator interface for chiller system 811 whichallows for the operator setting of the temperature of chiller system811. This system works once the operator has established that sufficientcooling has been obtained, and should provide an equivalent level ofcooling from the external cooling air provided by air ring 799 eventhough the ambient air changes its density through relatively slowchanges in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. Theembodiment of FIG. 32 is especially suited for blown film extrusionlines which have a dedicated chiller system. The embodiment of FIG. 33depicts a more common scenario, wherein a single chiller system isshared by multiple blown film lines. In this event, the configurationdiffers insofar as chiller system 811 is utilized to provide chilledwater 813 for delivery to multiple heat exchange cooling coils, with aflow valve, such as flow valve 825, being provided for each set of heatexchange cooling coils to increase or decrease the flow of circulatingheat exchange fluid in order to alter the temperature of the cooling airin air flow path 821. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 33, controller815 provides an electrical command signal to an electrically-actuatedflow valve 825 in order to increase or decrease the flow of chilledwater 813 from chiller system 811 to cooling coil 805. Similar to theembodiment of FIG. 32, the operator instructs controller 815 to recordthe mass air flow value from mass air flow sensor 807, and to utilizethat as a set point for operation. Thereafter, changes in the mass airflow property of the cooling air passing through air flow path 821, suchas changes caused by changes in temperature, humidity, and barometricpressure, are accommodated by increasing or diminishing the flow ofchilled water from chiller system 811 to heat exchange cooling coil 805.Increases in mass air flow will result in the controller 815 providing acommand to electrically-actuated flow valve 825 to diminish the flow ofchilled water; in contrast, decreases in mass air flow as detected bymass air flow sensor 807 will result in controller 815 providing acommand signal to electrically-actuated flow valve 825 to increase theflow of chilled water from chiller system 811 to heat exchange coolingcoils 805.

FIG. 34 is a schematic depiction of an external air blown film extrusionline, with blown film tube 789 extending upward from die 797 and beingcooled by an air stream in contact with an exterior surface of blownfilm tube 789 which is provided by air flow path 821. Air flow path 821includes mass air flow sensor 807 which provides a numerical indicationof the mass air flow of the air passing through air flow path 821. Itprovides this numerical indication to controller 815, which in turnsupplies a command signal to either variable speed controller 831 or airflow control device 833 (such as that depicted in FIGS. 28 & 29 above),each of which can effect the volume of air which is entrained by airring blower 803. Controller 815 includes a manual control 817 which isutilized by the operator to establish a set point of operation.Typically, the operator will get the blown film line operating in anacceptable condition, and then will actuate the set point command 817,causing controller 815 to record in memory the value provided by massair flow sensor 807. Thereafter, changes in the mass air flow due tochanges in temperature, humidity, or barometric pressure will becompensated for by variation in the amount of air entrained by air ringblower 803, in order to maintain mass air flow value at or about the setpoint value. For example, if the mass air flow value decreases, asdetermined by the mass air flow sensor 807, variable speed controller831 or air flow control device 833 are provided with command signalsfrom controller 815 to increase the volume of air flowing through airflow path 821; however, if the mass air flow value increases, asdetermined by mass air flow sensor 807, controller 815 provides acommand signal to either variable speed controller 831 or air flowcontrol device 833 in order to decrease the volume of air entrained byair ring blower 803. In this manner, controller 815 may intermittentlycheck the value of the mass air flow, compare it to a set point valuerecorded in memory, and adjust the volume of air entrained by air ringblower 803 in order to maintain a mass air flow value at or about theset point. In this manner, the cooling ability the air stream in contactwith the exterior of extruded film tube 789 is maintained at a constantlevel notwithstanding gradual or dramatic changes in temperature,humidity, and barometric pressure.

FIG. 35 depicts yet another embodiment of the invention, wherein anexternal cooling blown film extrusion line is depicted in the schematicform, with extruded film tube 789 extending upward from annular die 797,which is cooled by an air stream provided by cooling air ring 799.Cooling air ring 799 receives its cooling air from air flow path 821.Mass air flow sensor 807 is positioned in air flow path 821, and isadapted to provide a signal indicative of the mass air flow of airflowing through this passage way, to controller 815. Controller 815provides a command signal to water injector 835 which is also incommunication with the air passing through air flow path 821. Waterinjector 835 is adapted to increase the humidity of the air entrained byblower 803 in response to a command from controller 815. In accordancewith this embodiment of this invention, the operator depresses a setpoint control 817 on controller 815 in order to establish a set point ofoperation for controller 815. Controller 815 records in memory the valuefor mass air flow sensor 807, and thereafter continuously monitors thevalues provided by mass air flow sensor 807 in comparison to the setpoint. When an increase in mass air flow is required, controller 815provides a command signal to water injector 835 which provides apredetermined amount of moisture which is immediately absorbed by theair entrained by air ring blower 803. When no additional humidity isrequired, controller 815 will not provide such a command. In thismanner, the mass air flow value for air entrained in air flow path 821may be moderated by operation of controller 815. Since this systemeasily allows an increase in the mass air flow value, without allowing acorresponding decrease in the mass air flow value, it is particularlyuseful in very hot and dry climates.

In all embodiments, it is advisable to provide a predetermined timeinterval of monitoring before the set point is recorded and established.This allows the operator to make changes in the operating condition ofthe various blowers and other equipment in the blown film line prior torequesting that a set point be established. It takes many minutes (5,10, or 20 minutes) in order for the system to reach a quiescentcondition of operation. Having a predefined interval of time afterrequest for a set point, during which the mass air flow values aremonitored but not recorded, allows the operator to change the operatingstate of the blown film line, and request a set point value, at the sametime, without obtaining a set point value which is perhaps not stable orquiescent. In yet another more particular embodiment of the presentinvention, the controller may be programmed to monitor the rate ofchange of the mass air flow value for predetermined time interval inorder to determine for itself that a quiescent condition has beenobtained. For example, a 10 or 20 minute interval may be provided afteroperator request of a set point, during which the controllercontinuously polls the mass air flow sensor, calculates a rate of changefor a finite time interval, and records it in memory. Only when the rateof change reaches an acceptable level will the controller determine thata quiescent interval has been obtained, and thereafter record the massair flow value in memory for utilization as a set point, or in thederivation of a set point, about which the feedback loop is established.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a specificembodiment, this description is not meant to be construed in a limitingsense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiment as well asalternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to personsskilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention.It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover anysuch modifications or embodiments that fall within the true scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An improved blown film extrusion apparatus,comprising:an annular die for receiving a molten material and extrudinga film tube; at least one cooling air ring positioned adjacent saidannular die for passing an air stream along a particular surface of saidfilm tube; a blower for entraining and supplying air to said at leastone cooling ring; a flow sensor positioned in an air flow pathintermediate said at least one cooling ring and said blower forproviding a mass air flow signal indicative of air flow through said airflow path which provides a measure of air mass flow per time unit; anadjustable air flow attribute modifier in communication with said airflow path, for selectively modifying said air mass per time unit; acontroller member in communication with (a) said flow sensor and (b)said adjustable air flow attribute modifier, for receiving said mass airflow signal and for controlling said adjustable air flow attributemodifier to provide a preselected value of air flow in terms of air massflow per time unit.
 2. An improved blown film extrusion apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said at least one cooling air ringcomprises an external cooling air ring positioned adjacent said annulardie for passing an air stream along an exterior surface of said filmtube.
 3. An improved blown film extrusion apparatus according to claim1, wherein said at least one cooling air ring comprises at least oneinternal cooling air ring adjacent said annular die for passing an airstream along an interior surface of said film tube.
 4. An improved blownfilm extrusion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least onecooling air ring comprises at least one of:(a) an external cooling airring adjacent said annular die for passing an air stream along anexterior surface of said film tube; and (b) an internal cooling air ringadjacent said annular die for passing an air stream along an interiorsurface of said film tube.
 5. An improved blown film extrusion apparatusaccording to claim 1:wherein said at least one cooling air ringcomprises at least one of:(a) an external cooling air ring adjacent saidannular die for passing an air stream along an exterior surface of saidfilm tube; (b) an internal cooling air ring adjacent said annular diefor passing an air stream along an interior surface of said film tube;and wherein said blown film extrusion apparatus further includes anexhaust blower for removing air from said film tube.
 6. An improvedblown film extrusion apparatus according to claim 5:wherein saidcontroller member receives said mass air flow signal and controls saidadjustable air flow attribute modifier to provide a preselected value ofair flow in terms of air mass flow per unit time which is representativeof an air mass flowing into and out of said film tube.
 7. An improvedblown film extrusion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidadjustable air flow attribute modifier comprises a cooling system whichis communication with said air flow path for selectively modifyingtemperature of air passing through said air flow path in a manner whichmodifies said air mass per unit time measure of air flow.
 8. An improvedblown film extrusion apparatus according to claim 7, wherein saidcooling system comprises:a set of heat exchange cooling coils in heattransference communication with said air flow path; and a circulatingheat exchange medium which is passed through said heat exchange coolingcoils.
 9. An improved blown film extrusion apparatus according to claim8, further comprising:a temperature adjustment member, which isresponsive to commands from said controller member, for modifying atemperature of said circulating heat exchange medium.
 10. An improvedblown film extrusion apparatus according to claim 8, furthercomprising:a flow control member, which is responsive to commands fromsaid controller member, for modifying a flow rate of said circulatingheat exchange medium.
 11. An improved blown film extrusion apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said adjustable air flow attributemodifier comprises an air flow control member in communication with saidair flow path, for selectively modifying said air mass flow in terms ofair mass per unit time by modifying a passage area of said air flowpath.
 12. An improved blown film extrusion apparatus according to claim11, wherein said air flow control member comprises anelectrically-actuated valve which is responsive to electrical commandsignals provided by said controller member for moderating air flowthrough said air flow path.
 13. An improved blown film extrusionapparatus according to claim 11, wherein said air flow control member isat least in-part responsive to command signals from said controllermember for varying a quantity of air passing within said air flow path,and which includes:a housing with an inlet, an outlet, and an air pathdefined therethrough; at least one selectively-expandable flowrestriction member disposed in said housing in said air path; andwherein said air flow control member selectively expands and reducessaid at least one selectively-expandable flow restriction member tomoderate air flow through said air flow path.
 14. An improved blown filmextrusion apparatus according to claim 13:wherein said at least oneselectively-expandable flow restriction member includes a bladder memberwhich selectively communicates with a control fluid; and whereinapplication of said control fluid to said bladder member of said atleast one selectively-expandable flow restriction member causesexpansion and reduction of said at least one selectively-expandable flowrestriction member.
 15. An improved blown film extrusion apparatusaccording to claim 13, wherein said air flow control member includes:aplurality of housings, each having an inlet, outlet, and an air flowpath defined therethrough; a plurality of selectively-expandable flowrestriction members disposed in each of said housings; and with eachflow path through said plurality of housings in at least one of (a)series and (b) parallel communication with said selected others of saidair flow paths.
 16. An improved blown film extrusion apparatus accordingto claim 13:wherein expansion of said at least oneselectively-expandable flow restriction member restricts said air pathdefined through said housing; and wherein reduction of said at least oneselectively-expandable flow restriction member expands said air pathdefined through said housing.
 17. An improved blown film extrusionapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said adjustable air flowattribute modifier comprises a humidity modification system incommunication with said air flow path for selectively modifying air flowin terms of said air mass per unit time by modifying the humiditythereof.
 18. An improved blown film extrusion apparatus according toclaim 1:wherein said controller member is operable in a plurality ofmodes of operation including at least a set point maintenance mode ofoperation wherein said controller member receives said mass flow signalfrom said flow sensor, and provides a command signal to said adjustableair flow attribute modifier in order to maintain a preselected value ofair flow in terms of air mass flow per unit time.
 19. An improved blownfilm extrusion apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said controllermember is additionally operable in a set point acquisition mode ofoperation, wherein said controller member is responsive to a commandwhich initiates said set point acquisition mode of operation, and whichthereafter obtains a value representative of air mass flow per unit timein the form of a flow signal from said flow sensor, and maintains saidvalue in memory for a predetermined interval.
 20. An improved blown filmextrusion apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said controllermember is further operable in a change of state mode of operation,wherein said controller member monitors said air flow signal from saidair flow sensor for a predetermined time interval to determine whether aquiescent condition of operation has been obtained.
 21. A method ofcooling in a blown film extrusion apparatus, comprising the method stepsof:providing an annular die for receiving a molten material andextruding a film tube; providing at least one cooling air ring andpositioning it adjacent said annular die for passing an air stream alonga particular surface of said film tube; providing a blower forentraining and supplying air to said external cooling ring; locating aflow sensor in an air flow path intermediate said at least one coolingring and said blower and utilizing it for providing a mass air flowsignal indicative of air flow through said air flow path which providesa measure of air mass flow per time unit; providing an adjustable airflow attribute modifier in communication with said air flow path, forselectively modifying said air mass per time unit; utilizing acontroller member, in communication with (a) said flow sensor and (b)said adjustable air flow attribute modifier, for receiving said mass airflow signal and for controlling said adjustable air flow attributemodifier to provide a preselected value of air flow in terms of air massflow per time unit.
 22. A method of cooling in a blown film extrusionapparatus, according to claim 21, further comprising the method stepsof:utilizing at least one of the following as an adjustable air flowattribute modifier:(a) a cooling system which is communication with saidair flow path for selectively modifying temperature of air passingthrough said air flow path in a manner which modifies said air mass perunit time measure of air flow; (b) an air flow control member incommunication with said air flow path, for selectively modifying saidair mass flow in terms of air mass per unit time by modifying a passagearea of said air flow path; and (c) a fluid injection system incommunication with said air flow path for selectively modifying air flowin terms of said air mass per unit time by modifying the humiditythereof.
 23. A method of cooling in a blown film extrusion apparatus,according to claim 21, further comprising the method steps of:utilizingan air flow control member for said adjustable air flow attributemodifier which is at least in-part responsive to command signals fromsaid controller member for varying a quantity of air passing within saidair flow path, and which includes:a housing with an inlet, an outlet,and an air path defined therethrough; at least oneselectively-expandable flow restriction member disposed in said housingin said air flow path; and wherein said air flow control memberselectively expands and reduces said at least one selectively-expandableflow restriction member to moderate air flow through said air flow path.24. A method of cooling in a blown film extrusion apparatus, accordingto claim 21, further comprising the method steps of:operating saidcontroller member in a plurality of modes of operation including atleast a set point maintenance mode of operation wherein said controllermember receives said mass flow signal from said flow sensor, andprovides a command signal to said adjustable air flow attribute modifierin order to maintain a preselected value of air flow in terms of airmass flow per unit time.
 25. A method of cooling in a blown filmextrusion apparatus, according to claim 21, further comprising themethod steps of:operating said controller member in a set pointacquisition mode of operation, wherein said controller member isresponsive to a command which initiates said set point acquisition modeof operation, and which thereafter obtains a value of air mass flow perunit time in the form of a flow signal from said flow sensor, andmaintains said value in memory for predetermined interval.
 26. Animproved blown film extrusion apparatus, comprising:an annular die forreceiving a molten material and extruding a film tube; at least onecooling air ring positioned adjacent said annular die for passing an airstream along a particular surface of said film tube; a blower forentraining and supplying air to said external cooling ring; an air flowpath intermediate said at least one cooling ring and said blower, acontroller member; an air flow control member which is at least in-partresponsive to command signals from said controller member for varying aquantity of air passing within said air flow path, and which includes:ahousing with an inlet, an outlet, and an air path defined therethrough;at least one selectively-expandable flow restriction member disposed insaid housing in said air flow path; and wherein said air flow controlmember selectively expands and reduces said at least oneselectively-expandable flow restriction member to moderate air flowthrough said air flow path.
 27. An improved blown film apparatusaccording to claim 26:wherein said at least one selectively-expandableflow restriction member includes a bladder member which selectivelycommunicates with a control fluid; and wherein application of saidcontrol fluid to said at least one selectively-expandable flowrestriction member causes expansion and reduction of said at least oneselectively-expandable flow restriction member.
 28. An improved blownfilm apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said air flow controlmember includes:a plurality of housings, each having an inlet, outlet,and an air flow path defined therethrough; a plurality ofselectively-expandable flow restriction members disposed in each of saidhousings; and with each flow path through said plurality of housings inat least one of (a) series and (b) parallel communication with saidselected others of said air flow paths.
 29. An improved blown filmapparatus, according to claim 26, wherein expansion of said at least oneselectively-expandable flow restriction member restricts said air pathdefined through said housing; andwherein reduction of said at least oneselectively-expandable flow restriction member expands said air pathdefined through said housing.
 30. An improved blown film apparatus,according to claim 26, wherein said at least one cooling air ringcomprises an external cooling air ring positioned adjacent said annulardie for passing an air stream along an exterior surface of said filmtube.
 31. An improved blown film apparatus, according to claim 26,wherein said at least one cooling air ring comprises at least oneinternal cooling air ring adjacent said annular die for passing an airstream along an interior surface of said film tube.
 32. An improvedblown film apparatus, according to claim 26, wherein said at least onecooling air ring comprises at least one of:(a) an external cooling airring adjacent said annular die for passing an air stream along anexterior surface of said film tube; and (b) an internal cooling air ringadjacent said annular die for passing an air stream along an interiorsurface of said film tube.